Woman (Being Looked At) 2006

Sean Henry

bronze – painted

British sculptor Sean Henry sculpts his figures in clay before casting them. Then he paints them. The work of this artist has contributed to the revival of the age-old use of polychrome and multicolored sculpture. This tradition dates back to ancient times when marble statues were painted with colors. Henry’s technique is striking and lively. In public space, his naturalistic figures stand out, as his images are both lifelike and theatrical. They are reflections of ourselves and enhance our experience of living in our own world.

Sculptures like ‘Woman Being Looked At’ are attempts by the artist to increase our awareness of art and the space around it. He himself says: “My images should invite to be touched, they must look realistic and real.” Henry’s figures are for the most part anonymous.