DATE: 3 April 2019

Large scale sculptures by internationally acclaimed artist Michael Lyons will be displayed in a major new outside exhibition in York this spring.

Ancient and Modern will include nine sculptures inspired by nature, myth and ancient cultures.

Based in nearby Cawood, this is Lyons’ first major exhibition in York.

They will be displayed in the unique setting of York Art Gallery’s Artists Garden, with the central space dominated by Amphitrite (1993), a large painted steel structure.

Becky Gee, curator of art at York Art Gallery, said: “Michael Lyons has shown his incredible work around the world and in some of the most respected art institutions here in the UK, but not on this scale in his home city before.

“His works will bring a new dimension to the setting of The Artists Garden, complementing and contrasting with the ancient walls of St Mary’s Abbey and the more rustic landscapes of the Edible Wood.

“Amphitrite is one of Lyons’ most ambitious creations and we hope it will excite and spark debate for those who come to see it as they explore this wonderful corner of the city centre.”

Michael said: “‘To my knowledge this is the first time such a large exhibition of outdoor sculpture has been shown in York – certainly for many years.

“It is a great pleasure to make a contribution to the cultural life of York in this way and I hope that the exhibition will help to make sculpture a more integral part of the city.”

The exhibition is free and will run for 12 months.

Lyons’ sculptures range from small-scale to monumental, while his materials include brass, bronze, clay and copper.

The artist’s in-depth exploration of the medium of steel has resulted in an ambitious body of work that is at home in both rural and urban landscapes.

Although the sculptures are abstract, their starting point is often figurative.

Alongside Amphitrite (1993), eight other works will be shown in the Artists Garden and nearby Edible Wood. These show varying styles as his work changed between the 1980s to the 2000s.

The works are:

• Ace (1982)
• Michaelmas (1982)
• Mayflower (1983)
• High Priest (1989)
• Cavalcade (1990)
• Hornblower (1992)
• Harvest : Ceres’ Key (2000)
• Harvest : Demeter’s Dream (2000)