Antony Gormley

Present Time

About this artwork

This sculpture is based on two moulds made from the artist's body. The solid form of the lower figure and the horizontal divisions in the lead casing emphasise its weight. Its closed form, like a mummified body, evokes feelings of imprisonment. In contrast, the upper half, with legs and arms outstretched, is free. While the upper half concerns our spiritual or mental state, the lower half represents our physical state: these states are connected yet divided. In this way, the sculpture reflects Gormley's interest in meditation and Buddhism.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Antony Gormley (born 1950) English
  • title:
    Present Time
  • date created:
    1987 - 1988
  • materials:
    Lead fibreglass plaster and air
  • measurements:
    342.00 x 192.00 x 35.00 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased with assistance from the Henry Moore Foundation 1990
  • accession number:
    GMA 3561
  • gallery:
Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Tell us what you think.

Antony Gormley

Antony Gormley