Lorenzo Quinn: Full Circle at the Halcyon Gallery

Internationally renowned contemporary sculptor Lorenzo Quinn magnificently communicates ideals of life and humanity in his new work, marking a “full circle” in his career. By utilising contrasting materials to create predominantly spherical shapes the sculptures are both distinctive and appealing.

Born in Italy, Quinn grew up in the United States where he trained as a painter at the American Academy of Fine Arts in New York, moving onto sculpting after a brief spell in acting. Masters such as Salvador Dali and Michelangelo, combined with Quinn’s passion for politics and religion, have inspired his creation of monumental and emotional sculptures in both public and private collections around the world.

Full Circle is similar to Quinn’s past work but also progressive. Each sculpture (ranging from small to giant) is accompanied with a thought piece from the sculptor conveying his familiar themes of love, relationships and balance.  The largest sculpture, Atlas 2.0, is an impressive figure of a man resourcefully balancing the world upon his feet while doing a handstand, as opposed to the ancient Atlas who bore the weight upon his shoulders. Smaller sculptures include Love’s DNA – a double helix in which grasping hands (Quinn’s renowned motif) make up the connections – “The meeting of two souls meant to be one, the rebirth of a new life together.”

Quinn also experiments with new mediums and subject matters. Materials range from bronze and aluminium to wood and marble, their diversity in appearance and texture creates interesting effects and imparts meaning. This can be seen in Leap of Faith where a figure jumps between pillars of past, present and future as represented by stone, wood and glass respectively.  The past is set in stone and the glass empty for future dreams. Departing from seriousness, Keeping Me on My Toes is a more playful sculpture involving the figure of a man as the heel that holds up a lady’s high-heeled shoes.

The Halcyon Gallery lends itself nicely to this vast collection – you’ll want to admire the aesthetics of every single one of the sculptures and read the accompanying text. Full Circle is retrospective and personal and yet there is universality in the messages that anyone can connect with.

Emily May

Lorenzo Quinn: Full Circle is at the Halcyon Gallery until 6^th August 2013. For further information visit the gallery’s website here.