Photo: Royal Cornwall Museum

UNTO THE SELF
ROBERT BRYCE MUIR

27 June - 26 July 2009
Wednesday - Sunday, 12:00 to 17:00

Open House: Saturday, June 27, 12:00 to 19.30: meet the artist, and hear a presentation on his work.

'Unto the self' is an exhibition of large metal figures and accompanying drawings by the internationally recognised sculptor Robert Bryce Muir. Between 2003 and 2008, the exhibition in various forms toured seven venues in the UK. Now the Dissenters Chapel will present what will probably be its final showing before it finds a permanent home.

Robert's most famous commission to date is a sculpture known as 'The Angel of the Americas', a large male stainless steel figure suspended from the ceiling of fashion designer Alexander McQueen's Los Angeles store. His work has also been shown in the Grizedale Forest sculpture park, the Royal Cornwall Museum, Burgh House (Hampstead).

'Unto the Self' explores the human body in relation to its environment. The centrepiece of the show is a life-sized steel sculpture of a male figure with a neon cube, here situated within the Dissenters' Chapel. Visitors walk through and around the sculpture experiencing a changing relationship with the figure and the environment. Repeat visits to the exhibition are rewarded as the figure has its position changed regularly both inside and outside the anchoring cube. The installation's fundamental criterion is that questions are asked about the human condition with regard to us all, whatever our age, race or belief.

One of the main aims is to allow the viewer to approach and question from their own unique, intuitive point of reference; prior knowledge of the subject, be it this sculpture, art, or philosophy, is not a pre-requisite for engaging with 'Unto the Self''

Robert Bryce Muir

The exhibition includes a number of other drawings and sculptures by the artist that explore similar themes in relation to the human body. These works will be situated in both the art gallery and in selected spaces outside the chapel.

During the exhibition there will be various educational opportunities including talks and classes. A described tour for blind and visually-impaired visitors will be held on Thursday 23 July (time to be confirmed), led by Anne Hornsby and the artist. Please register your interest in these events by calling 07904 495012 (mobile) or e-mail to: