Where language ends: Antony Gormley’s discourse series
30 October 2019 6.30 - 7.45pm11 November 2019 6.30 - 7.45pm16 November 2019 2 - 3.30pm27 November 2019 6.30 - 7.45pm
The Benjamin West Lecture Theatre, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts
Various events, booking required
Antony Gormley
Supported by
Join us for a special series of talks and discussions where a host of acclaimed artists, scientists, architects, astronomers and anthropologists discuss the relationship between their fields and visual art.
In a conversation between the artist and the late art historian, Ernst Gombrich, Gormley alluded to the fact that he wanted his work to start "where language ends". Inspired by the intimate conversations held by Antony Gormley in his studio with guests from a range of disciplines, this series of events invites you to unpick and consider the wide-ranging themes that have featured within his practice.
Through this series we'll explore the relationship between cosmology and art, the social implications of sculpture, architecture as process of empowerment, and discover one of Gormley's most ambitious works, Inside Australia.
The Programme
Film screening: Inside Australia + talk with Hugh Brody
Join us for a rare screening of Inside Australia, the documentary showcasing Antony Gormley’s 51-figure installation in Menzies, Western Australia. The screening will be followed by a talk with director and anthropologist Hugh Brody.
Saturday 16 November, The Benjamin West Lecture Theatre, 2pm – 3.30pm, £10, £6 concessions
Join our panel to investigate whether sculptures can act as catalysts for social change and if we connect better with a place when it contains a work of art.
Wednesday 30th October, The Benjamin West Lecture Theatre, 6.30–7.45pm, £15, £9 concessions
Antony Gormley is joined by Alastair Parvin of Wikihouse and Burkina Faso-born architect Francis Kéré to discuss how we can all benefit from being involved in the process of designing and building.
Chaired by Kate Goodwin, Head of Architecture.
Monday 11 November, The Benjamin West Lecture Theatre, 6.30-7.45pm, £20, £12 concessions
This panel, including astrophysicist Priya Natarajan, will question how artists contribute to our understanding of the world, as we explore the relationship between physics, cosmology and reality.
Wednesday 27 November, The Benjamin West Lecture Theatre, 6.30-7.45pm, £15, £9 concessions
There are things that cannot be articulated, which can be conveyed in a material way, but can never be given a precise word equivalent for. I want to start where language ends.
Antony Gormley
Artist in conversation: Antony Gormley and Iwona Blazwick
Antony Gormley will also be discussing his practice, career and current exhibition at the RA with Director of the Whitechapel Gallery, Iwona Blazwick.
Wednesday 9 October, The Benjamin West Lecture Theatre, 6.30pm-7.30pm £25, £15 concessions