ORIGINALLY LOCATED AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE BOTANIC GARDENS
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Located within the landscape of the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, “Sepian Blue” stands as a captivating testament to the power of bronze sculpture. This monumental work by Nasser Azam, relocated to a prominent position within the gardens, was originally exhibited as part of Sculpture in Context, Ireland’s premier showcase of public sculpture [Note: the 2024 exhibition was cancelled].
I can confirm that Sculpture in Context is indeed planned to return in 2025 to the National Botanic Gardens. According to their official website, Sculpture in Context is committed to exhibiting again in 2025. They are also planning a series of fringe events alongside the main exhibition. It seems they used the time after the 2024 cancellation to restructure and secure funding, ensuring the festival can continue with its usual ambition and scale.
So, it’s good news for sculpture lovers! “Sepian Blue” will have company in the Gardens once again.
Sculpture in Context: A Legacy of Public Art
Sculpture in Context, held annually at the Botanic Gardens, provides a unique platform for artists to display their work amidst the garden’s natural beauty. Sadly, the 2024 edition was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. However, “Sepian Blue” made such a lasting impression that it was acquired for the Botanic Gardens’ permanent collection, a testament to its artistic merit and enduring appeal.
Nasser Azam: A Life in Art
Born in Jhelum, Pakistan, in 1963, Nasser Azam moved to London with his family at the age of seven. His artistic journey began in 1980 while pursuing a business degree at the University of Birmingham. Early recognition came swiftly with a feature in a 1983 BBC documentary. Azam’s artistic development was further enriched by extensive travels across Japan, America, and Europe, broadening his perspectives and influencing his creative vision.
In 2007, Azam was appointed Artist-in-Residence at the County Hall Gallery in London, culminating in a retrospective exhibition of his work. He gained further acclaim for his “Anatomica” series, a powerful exploration of the human form that merges imagery from fashion magazines and medical textbooks.
Sculpting on a Grand Scale
Azam’s sculptural achievements are equally remarkable. In 2012, he unveiled “Athena,” a breathtaking bronze sculpture standing over twelve metres tall at London City Airport. This monumental work holds the distinction of being the tallest bronze sculpture in the United Kingdom, a symbol of strength and grace against the modern architectural backdrop.
His other notable sculptures include “The Dance,” a large bronze piece dynamically capturing movement and unveiled on London’s South Bank in 2008. With “Sepian Blue” now gracing the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Azam’s artistic legacy extends across borders and mediums.
Artistic Style and Enduring Influence
Azam’s semi-abstract painting style, often drawing comparisons to Willem de Kooning, is characterized by biomorphic forms and expressive gestural marks that subtly encode the human figure. His paintings, typically employing a restricted palette, possess a profound evocative power, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of the human condition.
In 2010, Azam acquired the Morris Singer Art Foundry, subsequently relaunching it as the Zahra Modern Art Foundry. This significant move underscores his dedication to preserving traditional sculptural techniques and fostering the future of this art form.