Why Sculpture, Why here?

The internet has done much to eradicate obstacles and speed up global communication – opening up new opportunities and territories to artists.  Consequently established art centres like Berlin, Paris, New York or London have become less of a draw since there is less necessity or compulsion for artists to move base.  But what are the long-term implications for sculptors who stay at home, not only for their own practice but for the future of the fashionable centres, their art fairs, festivals and biennials?
More broadly in this digital age why should artists choose to make sculpture?  As virtual reality expands its reach, is sculpture too slow, too laborious, too physically present and outmoded to respond to a rapidly changing world in which previously known boundaries no longer exist?  Or does it still offer artists a means of expression not found in other materials?

Coinciding with the international jamboree that is the Frieze Art Fair, Why sculpture, why here? addresses such questions by exploring current sculptural practices within a range of global contexts.

Participants are Abel Barroso, Maria Magdalena Campos Pons,Dilomprizulike, Subodh Gupta , Huang Yong Ping and Mamiko Otsubo.

This will be a unique opportunity to hear these artists talk about their work, why they choose to make work in 3D and how their choices reflect local and/or international imperatives. Some of these sculptors have consciously decided to remain in their country of origin, whist others have moved to Europe or the USA; some are emerging artists whilst others are well-known and established.  Collectively they represent a wide range of practices and diverse ideas about what sculpture can be from the ready-made or autonomous objects to installation.

£20 (£15 concessions), booking is essential and can be done via the Tate website file://www.tate.org.uk/ or by calling 0207 8878888. Booking open in mid-August.