Light Into Life

A visit to Kew Gardens isn't just about going there, having a good time and forgetting about it. I find that it rejuvenates the mood but also puts things into perspective. Kew Gardens is a beautiful place, and as you walk through the main gate, you can leave the stresses of City living behind you.

One notable feature as you walk in is a giant steel sculpture by Marc Quinn. Dotted around 17 acres of Kew Gardens are 17 large-scale sculptures of stainless steel and bronze. It's part of the The Light into Life Exhibition by Marc Quinn.

The Exhibition

The Light into Life exhibition, which started on May 4 and will continue until September 29, 2024, is a bold move. It marries Quinn's provocative and artistic vision with the stunning backdrop at Kew Gardens. It creates an exciting and contemporary dialogue between art and the natural world. Each unique sculpture catches the attention without detracting from the enjoyment of the garden.

The idea behind Quinn's Light into Life exhibition is to get you to pause, reflect and appreciate humans' complex relationship with nature. After taking pictures, I found myself not just looking at my reflection but also pondering on how we could better look after nature. Each piece is a revelation and a reflection moment. It's cleverly done so the viewer feels immersed in the contemplative experience.

Kew's Bold Move

Kew Gardens is smart in showcasing the Light into Life exhibition in the expansive Gardens. What it did with this exhibition was to bridge the gap between scientific research and art venue. The grounds make a perfect venue for hosting such work. I liked Kew's approach because it encouraged many people from all walks of life to stop, observe, take pictures and reflect.

As a member of Kew Gardens, I didn't once feel overwhelmed by the number of people around each sculpture. There are enough sculptures for people to feel they've got enough time with at least a handful without jostling for space. However, it might be a different experience over the weekends though.

I hope they will continue to bring cutting-edge and contemporary exhibitions to encourage more people to participate and enjoy. Seeing many young people enjoying a fresh perspective on modern art and the natural world was excellent.

Event Horizon - Sabal

One of the exhibition's standout pieces is Event Horizon (Sabal), a monumental stainless steel sculpture depicting a palm frond. Its towering presence and metallic sheen offer a striking reinterpretation of a familiar natural form, inviting viewers to reconsider their perception of the botanical world.

Another notable work, Held by Desire, takes inspiration from bonsai trees, playing with notions of scale and control. This piece serves as a metaphor for humanity's attempts to shape and contain nature, raising questions about our role as stewards of the environment.

Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art

Quinn's new and existing works are also in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art. I found the indoor part of the exhibition more informative as it provided insight into Quinn's exploration of different botanical themes and his fascination with orchids and other plants.

It's not all about the beautiful-looking sculptures because there's a deeper meaning beyond the relationship between humans and nature. Quinn's work touches on how the botanical world has shaped civilisation, from its use in medicine to art. Whether we acknowledge it or not, nature is ever present in our lives.

My concern is that the Kew Gardens Visitors will relish the sculptures and take the opportunity to reflect. However, I fear that many outside the Kew Garden world need to see this exhibition, as it's much needed. I'd be happy if Quinn could do something like a Gillie and Marc-style exhibition. The pair have sculptures of different animals, including Rabbit Woman and Dog Man, dotted around London. Not only are they fun, but they have a serious message behind each sculpture.

Two For The Price Of One

Ok, Kew's not cheap. However, it's worth every penny, in my opinion. If you buy a ticket, you'll also see an art exhibition. I think it's fair enough. I do like the accessibility element to Kew Gardens. There's special pricing for young people and Universal Credit recipients, thus making it more accessible. Additionally, free guided tours are on offer, giving the visitor an in-depth and deeper insight into Quinn's installations and their critical message.

Parting Comments

I liked the crossover between art and nature with Quinn's Light into Life exhibition. It showed that Kew is also moving in our fast-paced world. It also showcases how fragile the world is and provides us with hope regarding what's possible regarding being custodians of nature.

I found it to be an inspiring exhibition. The Light into Life exhibition at Kew Gardens was a bold move on Kew Gardens' part, and it paid off. The exhibition married art and nature and gave visitors a fresh perspective to ponder as they walked around the expansive garden.

The exhibition is on until September 29 2024. For more information, check out https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/marc-quinn

Thank you for your attention

Best wishes as always.

Tabby