Len Lye with Flower Petals, c.1968. Colour photograph
Exhibition
18 Dec 2015 — 3 Apr 2016
Len Lye: Flora and Fauna
Len Lye: Flora and Fauna takes a journey through the natural world at the heart of Lye’s practice - the blueprint for his sensual and rhythmic art.Len Lye Firebush, 1961 (2007 reconstruction),
stainless steel rods, motorised base
Lye put the body centre stage in his art, exploring our sensual relationship to the world around us and then delving inside, searching the unconscious mind and body for revelation. Ancient myths drawn from his own genes sat side by side with utopian sculpture, equal parts ancient and modern.
From the rock-pool surrealism inspired by a childhood at Cape Campbell to the ‘old brain’ energy of his masterpiece film Particles in Space, Len Lye: Flora and Fauna is a reminder that Lye’s unique world wasn’t simply a vision of the future, but rooted in the sensual past.
Curated by Paul Brobbel and Sarah Wall
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre
Len Lye, Untitled (Flora and Totem) date unknown. Len Lye Foundation Collection, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre
