The ‘States of Being’ sculpture is of 5 life-sized figures and stands two metres tall. It draws its inspiration from the Republic where Plato describes five forms of government, as they relate to both the individual and to society, beginning with the ‘best’ or transcendent state and ending with a state of ‘tyranny’ or total bondage.
The sculpture is the work of Damian Fennell, ARBS. Damian studied fine art and sculpture in London for 7 years in the 90s, graduating at the same time the Art Academy launched in 2000. Founding Principal, Tanya Russell, invited him to join as the first resident artist and tutor. He moved on to become the first courses director, co-writing the sculpture diploma course with Tanya in its formative years while developing his fine art practice and profession.
Damian believes artists have the unique talent of being able ‘to imagine the non-existent and call it into existence’. His ‘States of Being’ sculpture portrays Plato’s famous forms of government. It is a strikingly dramatic piece and brilliantly conveys the decline from the best state of being to that of tyranny. It is hoped that sculpture will prompt onlookers to reflect upon their own changing states of being and the implications for their lives.
‘States of Being’ is currently modelled in soft plaster and is waiting to be cast in bronze. It will then be given a home where it can be seen by the public. This could be Waterperry Gardens, in the company of other installations we have funded, or another public space, possibly in a major town or city where it might be seen by more people.
Fundraising target: £70,000.
Raised so far: £5,000.
You have an opportunity to help transform this exceptionally creative sculpture from a soft plaster mould held in storage into a fine work of bronze on public display. It is rare to see a sculpture that conveys a profound philosophical concept so perfectly. The public needs to see it.