Anya Gallaccio

A permanent commission in Whitworth Park by artist Anya Gallaccio, exploring themes of loss, memory and physical presence in both nature and architecture.

Back in Februrary 2015 the Whitworth reopened its doors to the public after a major expansion project by architects MUMA. Before building works began a 3D scan was made of the space that is now occupied by the new extension. The scan included the line of London Plane trees that flank the South side of the building. One of these trees had unfortunately died, and was earmarked to be felled.  

On Anya’s first visit to the site the tree had already gone, leaving a noticeable gap in the avenue. Fascinated by the absence of the tree, she studied the architect's digital scans with the hope of making a work in response to its loss:  

“Usually I would take an existing object and transform it; not making a copy but a new unique object determined by the form and material properties of the original. I am interested here in using the data to produce a sculpture that is a ghost of the real tree, without being a replica.”

In connecting the new gallery to its surroundings, MUMA devised a system of window mullions, in angled, stainless steel that reflect the landscape of the art garden and park outside, as in a mirror. Gallaccio’s new sculptural commission will reinstate the missing tree in stainless steel, appearing as a ghostly negative form. This is the second permanent public sculpture of her career; her materials are usually impermanent and have included flowers, chocolate, fruit and sugar. Gallaccio’s practice engages with the dualities of nature and transience versus the fixed. Her work is featured in major museum collections worldwide.

Anya Gallaccio was born in Paisley, Scotland in 1963, and studied at Kingston Polytechnic and Goldsmiths College, University of London. She is considered one of the foremost artists of her generation, and was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2003.

Trees: Memory and Loss - Matthew Retallick

An essay by Matt Retallick to coincide with a new permanent commission in Whitworth Park by artist Anya Gallaccio, exploring themes of loss, memory and physical presence in both nature and architecture

This commission was made possible by:

Arts Council England
The Art Fund
Thomas Dane Gallery
The Karpidas Foundation
The Oglesby Charitable Trust