Turner-Nominated Artist Installs Giant Mantis Sculpture at Former School to Advocate for Art Education

An artist, previously nominated for the Turner Prize, has lent his recently created large mantis sculpture to the educational institution he once attended. This initiative aims to underscore the significance of art within the curriculum. David Shrigley revisited Beauchamp College in Oadby, Leicestershire, the place he identified as where he received his “first proper art lessons,” to set up The Mantis Muse, a sculpture measuring three metres (9.8ft). Shrigley, aged 56, stated that the artwork would be incorporated into various lessons and activities, ranging from life drawing to nature studies, for a duration of two weeks. He mentioned that the sculpture deliberately mirrored his 2012 installation, David’s Life Model, which was exhibited at the Turner Prize in 2013. Shrigley was a student at the school between 1983 and 1987. Subsequently, he pursued an art and design foundation course at Leicester Polytechnic before concluding his studies in Glasgow. His internationally recognized body of work frequently explores themes such as two-dimensional interpretations of the world, the viewpoints of extraterrestrial beings and mythical creatures, and the act of eavesdropping. Notably, he created the “thumbs up” sculpture for the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, London, in 2016. The artist explained that he fashioned the praying mantis, constructed from steel and fibreglass with a mechanical system enabling the insect’s head to rotate, because “I believe art is a fundamental part of how children learn”. He elaborated, stating, “Whether that’s by doing it, viewing it, or using creativity as a way to explore other thoughts and concepts.” “I’m hugely grateful to my old school for providing the art education that set me on the path for everything I’ve done since then,” he added. Shrigley expressed his hope that the sculpture would serve to emphasize art’s role in education, initiate a nationwide discussion, and advocate for increased funding for art programs in schools. He remarked, “It’s always puzzled me that our earliest lessons are based around drawing or painting, yet after a certain age, art is seen as an academic dead-end.” Data from last year revealed a 47% decrease in the number of students pursuing an art GCSE in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland since 2010. Concurrently, enrollment for art A-levels saw a 29% reduction during the identical timeframe. He implored the government to protect arts education for upcoming generations. Alice King, the associate principal at Beauchamp College, an institution catering to students aged 11 to 18, commented that it was an “absolute privilege” to host Shrigley, identifying him as one of “our distinguished” alumni. She noted, “His success has sparked inspiration among our current students.” “David’s striking sculpture has brought an added sense of excitement and energy to both students and staff alike,” she added. The artist, recognized with an OBE for Services for Visual Arts in 2020, has pieces featured in collections at institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Tate Britain in London, and the National Gallery of Denmark in Copenhagen. For further updates, BBC Leicester can be followed on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.