The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a favourite place of mine. It’s just up the road from me and I’ve been going for years, seeing the space develop. It’s great to see the sculptures in the open air. I’m into all kinds of art, not only sculpture, but I love the scenery too. There’s a huge park with a beautiful landscape and an old chapel, and a restaurant and huge gallery inside.
I’d never heard of Not Vital before I went to the exhibition. Turns out it’s not a play on words, that’s the artist’s name. He’s Swiss, and quite an unusual artist. He travels all over the world – Indonesia, South America and the Philippines – and gathers local people to produce works of art. One of his aims is to generate employment wherever he goes. For example, Moon – a huge round ball that has got little indentations all over it – used the skills of local people.
We had a very interesting introduction from the curator Clare Lilley. That was one of the main reasons I decided to go. I’m used to wandering around by myself but it was nice to go as a group as we were able to ask questions from our own perspectives.
I particularly liked Let One Hundred Flowers Bloom. There were 100 flowers made of stainless steel so they’re rigid and couldn’t open. On the one hand, you’ve got these blooming things but they can’t bloom because they’re made of steel. It’s quite amazing when you come round the corner and see them all.
I was less interested in his works on paper. For me, they didn’t have the same resonance as his sculptures. One exhibit I really liked was Last Supper – 12 black heads on a wall. If you look closely you see a 13th painted white – my thought was that the 13th one is Judas. So you bring your own cultural perspective to bear on it. Apparently the artist was asked about it and he just shrugged his shoulders – as if to say, make your own judgement. I like that he leaves it up to each individual.
Vicky Seddon is retired. She used to work at Sheffield Hallam University and describes herself as an art lover who campaigns to protect public art collections.
As told to Joanna Witt
This event took place on 23 July. To find out about upcoming Guardian events, sign up as a Guardian Member.
