The first comprehensive retrospective of Carl Plackman’s work since his death in 2004, Beyond Appearances contains sculptures, installations and drawings created by Plackman from 1969 to 2004. His work explores the lives of everyday things through large, often architectural constructions that encompass photography, drawing and assembled objects.

Carl Plackman was one of the most challenging sculptors of his day and a generous and influential teacher, developing his work whilst lecturing at Goldsmiths College, London and other institutions across the UK. Many of the students he taught have since become major names in British contemporary art including Tony Cragg, Damien Hirst, Liam Gillick and Alison Wilding. These artists, along with colleagues, critics and friends provide a fascinating and illuminating introduction to Plackman as a man, mentor and artist in a book published to accompany the exhibition. Together, these different accounts provide a range of perspectives on the art and artist across a forty-year period.

Beyond Appearances: Sculpture and Drawings by Carl Plackman (1943-2004) was devised by Huddersfield Art Gallery with the support of Arts Council England and The Henry Moore Foundation. The book Carl Plackman: Sculpture, Drawing, Writing (168pp fully illustrated) is available from the Gallery at the special exhibition price of £15.

Beyond Appearances Events:

Public Lecture Wednesday 10 October 5.30-6.30pm
Beyond Appearances: Curating Carl Plackman
Sarah Brown and Robert Hall co-curators of the exhibition
Staff Space, Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture, Knights Park Campus

Wednesday 10 October 6.30pm-8.30pm
Beyond Appearances Launch Event All welcome

Conference Friday 9 November 2007
Sculpture & Beyond: Encounters through the Art School
Organised by the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture Kingston University