Fathers & Sons, Gods & Artists, Monuments & Toys

In the seminal installation Fathers & Sons, Monuments & Toys, Gods & Artists, Antony Gormley presents us with a dramatic representation of his fundamental beliefs. The viewer is confronted by two figures, a monumental Father-like figure separated, by some distance, from a much smaller child-like figure. The larger figure, alone and searching, with its head bowed, gives off a serene and meditative quality that, in its nakedness, invokes the fundamental contemplation of a parent praying for the care of its charge. This contemplation also appears to be a heavy burden on its shoulders, as if it were also praying for its own salvation. The child, lost, alone and looking upwards, has an eager and obedient feel, also searching, but maybe for the truth and the paternal love that it craves. However, both figures have been left by the artist in their respective locations never to find each other and are therefore condemned to their search and suffering for the rest of eternity.

Gormley himself could be seen to be represented by both the Father and child in the installation as he has stated:

"I was brought up in fear of God, school, Daddy, failure, my anxiety has shifted but not much. I fear not to tell, or make the truth, but where to find it? I want to believe in redemption through suffering but so far I can only see the suffering, and this is not enough, not enough and not good enough." (Antony Gormley, quoted in the lecture 'Learning to Think: Sculpture as Physical Intelligence', reproduced in www.antonygormley.com)