Why is the Bearing Light series important?

Antony Gormley’s Bearing Light series is significant for several reasons within both his own body of work and the broader context of Contemporary Art. The series is a pivotal exploration of the woodcut medium by an artist primarily known for his sculptural installations. Gormley’s use of woodcut printing offers a two-dimensional exploration of the ways in which the human body occupies space.

How do I buy a Bearing Light print?

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of buying work by Antony Gormley is by using us to reach a seller. MyArtBroker is a curated site, meaning we feature artists that our collectors say they want. You can find Antony Gormley art for sale here. You’ll need to create a free account to buy or sell with us.

How can I sell my Bearing Light print?

If you're looking to sell art by Antony Gormley, click the link and we can help. We employ a number of techniques and practices in order to give a realistic and achievable valuation on any art listed on MyArtBroker.com. We analyse the demand for the work in question, and take into consideration previous sales and auction valuations, we assess the current gallery valuation and monitor the current deals taking place via MyArtBroker every day. We regularly advise sellers on a price bracket for their artwork completely free of charge.

Bearing Light by Antony Gormley Background & Meaning

Bearing
Light

Antony Gormley's Bearing Light series, created in 1990, comprises twelve woodcut prints that delve into the exploration of human forms and their existential essence. Each print, sequentially titled from Bearing Light 1 to Bearing Light 12, captures silhouetted figures in various stances, rendered with a stark simplicity that emphasises the interaction of body and light.

Meaning & Analysis

Bearing Light by Antony Gormley focuses on the human body, not as a detailed anatomical study, but as a vessel for expressing broader existential themes. Each print features a simplified, almost abstracted human form, positioned against a stark background. The figures are depicted in poses that suggest movement or contemplation, reflecting Gormley's interest in the body as a space of experience and perception.

The use of woodcut printing emphasises the tactile qualities of the images. Gormley exploits the texture of the wood grain to inject an organic quality into the prints, which complements the themes of basic human instincts and connections to the earth. The black ink used in the series to depict silhouettes that play with highly contrasting light and shadow, enhancing the visual impact of the figures.

Bearing Light explores themes of visibility and presence, questioning the ways in which human beings occupy space physically and emotionally. The series invites viewers to contemplate the ways light and shadow define our understanding of human forms, suggesting a metaphysical inquiry into the nature of existence and visibility.

Antony Gormley’s Bearing Light series is significant for several reasons within both his own body of work and the broader context of Contemporary Art. The series is a pivotal exploration of the woodcut medium by an artist primarily known for his sculptural installations. Gormley’s use of woodcut printing offers a two-dimensional exploration of the ways in which the human body occupies space.
Secondly, Bearing Light stands out for its compelling philosophical weight, bridging art and existential inquiry. The series uses the human figure not merely as a subject but as a conduit for exploring questions about human existence, visibility, and our relationship with the natural world.
Furthermore, the Bearing Light series is a testament to Gormley's mastery in exploring the human condition across a variety of artistic techniques. The stark, minimalist approach in the prints contrasts with the often complex and large-scale nature of his sculptures but continues to engage with similar conceptual concerns.
If you're looking to sell art by Antony Gormley, click the link and we can help. We employ a number of techniques and practices in order to give a realistic and achievable valuation on any art listed on MyArtBroker.com. We analyse the demand for the work in question, and take into consideration previous sales and auction valuations, we assess the current gallery valuation and monitor the current deals taking place via MyArtBroker every day. We regularly advise sellers on a price bracket for their artwork completely free of charge.