Francis Upritchard A Loose Hold

Francis Upritchard’s (*1976, New Zealand) sculptures are situated between realism and fantasy; whilst flamboyantly theatrical, they are also keenly observant of human nature. Made from a wide variety of materials, such as rubber, bronze, stone and glass, they explore both material and aesthetic aspects of human and anthropomorphic forms. Upritchard’s work draws on craft traditions and design, combining references from science fiction and folklore to ancient sculptures and the animal kingdom.

In A Loose Hold, the artist creates a sculptural and spatial installation to which she imbues human and anthropomorphic forms, carefully arranging them into mysterious environments. Often hand-woven blankets, tie-dyed silks, and custom-made garments adorn the deftly crafted sculptures, which are sometimes combined with found objects. The varying scale of the sculptures, which can be tiny or monumental, in interplay with their presentation, challenge the viewer’s gaze.

Curation: Stefanie Gschwend and Felicity Lunn