Update on Torre Abbey Contemporary Open – TACO 3D
Picture of Nicholas Bellamy – An open exploration; a man, a lifetime of changing thoughts
TACO 3D which showcases some of the best contemporary art in the South West runs until 30th August.
There are 19 pieces chosen from over 90 entries by the British Sculptor, Peter Randall Page; the art historian Claire Donovan and Amelia Marriette the Keeper of Art at Torre Abbey.
The theme of the exhibition is tamed and this links with the free exhibition in the Spanish Barn of the same name, featuring Damien Hirst’s iconic piece Mother and Child, Divided.
Artists are thrilled to be part of this exhibition, Helen Snell – whose laser cut paper sculptures are forming part of the exhibition said ‘It really is an amazing venue and what is happening here is really exciting. I first saw the Hirst in the old Tate Britain – it’s like a beacon really – and to have it here totally sets a different agenda and I’m thrilled to bits. We don’t want to always have to be about going to London to see things.”
Volkhardt Müller’s piece Cell forms the centre piece of this year’s exhibition. For Amelia Marriette the curator of TACO 3D, Muller’s piece is “of Turner Prize winning quality. It is an exceptionally thoughtful piece, the art work was ‘made’ by the prisoners who were held in the holding cell awaiting trial, for it is their “scratchings” that make the art come alive. The fact that the cell cannot be entered inverts the whole idea of incarceration and comments both on society at large and more specifically relates directly to Hirst’s piece – a cow trapped in formaldehyde in the barn and a cell you cannot enter in the abbey. I have been so impressed by the way that the artists have responded to the theme.”
Muller himself states that “the opportunity to associate oneself through this double bill with big names such as Hirst and Long is a real bonus for emerging artists. TACO 3D is a great opportunity to get a big audience and to show work in a very special place. The juxtaposition of the traditional collection and the contemporary exhibition under the roof is particularly refreshing and mutually beneficial. TACO 3D to show very good quality contemporary work, something that has real value in the region and I am sure will be increasingly noticed”.
This year Torre Abbey are not only going to give an award to the TACO artist of the year, which will be chosen by Amelia Marriette, Peter Randall Page and Claire Donovan, but also the TACO 3D People’s Choice Award. Amelia is urging everyone, locals and tourists, to come to Torre Abbey and vote for the people’s choice. ‘Please use the TACO comment board in the Long Gallery but please don’t forget to vote for the pieces in Torre Abbey Gardens as well!’ A 25% discount to Torre Abbey is available if you visit Tamed in the Spanish Barn first.
