'In Memoriam I', Dame Elisabeth Frink

Artwork details

Artist

Dame Elisabeth Frink (1930‑1993)

Title

In Memoriam I

Date 1981

MediumBronze

Dimensionsobject: 1275 x 1100 x 680 mm

Collection

Tate

Acquisition Purchased 1982

Reference

T03416

Not on display

Display caption

Since 1953, Frink has produced work full of monumental power and vitality. Her chosen subjects have been elemental and simple: naked men, birds, dogs and horses. She worked as a modeller, rather than a carver, and most of her sculpture was made from plaster. She felt that this material, which can be worked quickly, was one that matched the tempo of her ideas. Frink displayed deep concern for the quality of human life, and her sculpture was a reflection upon this. Her series of large male heads called 'In Memoriam' were made as a tribute to people who have suffered for their beliefs. 'In Memoriam I' with its inward gaze displays a stoic calm and endurance.

August 2004