The Hudsons, Family Ties: Nature and Artistry at Claridge’s ArtSpace
Discover 'THE HUDSONS, Family Ties' at Claridge’s ArtSpace, a unique exhibit by Richard, Henry, and Richard WM Hudson, exploring nature through art in an iconic venue.
In an unprecedented display of familial artistic talent, Claridge’s ArtSpace is hosting THE HUDSONS, Family Ties, a meticulously curated exhibition by Mollie Dent-Brocklehurst. This showcase, spanning from January 31st to April 14th, 2024, offers an intimate glimpse into the creative worlds of Richard Hudson, his son Henry Hudson, and Richard WM Hudson.
At the core of Richard Hudson’s artistic philosophy lies a deep fascination with the natural world, which he expresses through sculptures that blur the line between abstraction and recognition. Inspired by legendary figures such as Henry Moore and Jean Arp, Hudson crafts his pieces with a reverence for the Western sculptural tradition, while also engaging in a dialogue with contemporary notions of beauty. His large-scale works, often in stainless steel, reflect the landscapes that inspire them, creating a seamless integration of art and environment.
Henry Hudson's artistic journey represents a departure from traditional painting, as he sculpts elaborate jungle scenes out of plasticine. For THE HUDSONS, Family Ties, however, he introduces a novel technique using scagliola, embracing the unpredictable and the serendipitous. These new works, inspired by the reflective beauty of the Thames and other landscapes, offer a tranquil and reflective view of nature, inviting viewers to a contemplative engagement with the elements.
Richard WM Hudson explores the intersection of natural beauty and its inherent vulnerabilities through his mixed media works. His recent pieces, marked by a poignant exploration of nature's regenerative power amidst destruction, showcase his ability to find beauty in decay. Utilizing materials sourced directly from the forest, he reveals the inner complexities of his natural subjects, creating works that are visually striking and deeply resonant.
The HUDSONS, Family Ties extends beyond the gallery space, with Richard Hudson’s sculptures gracing the lobby of the iconic Claridge's hotel. This installation includes the impressive "Tear" sculpture, a polished mirrored steelwork that adds a contemporary dimension to the hotel's historic elegance. Alongside "Tear," visitors will encounter new editions of "Held" and "Twice," further enriching the visual landscape of Claridge's with Hudson's reflective explorations of form and space.
Curated by Mollie Dent-Brocklehurst, this exhibition not only marks the first collective showcase of the Hudson family's work but also serves as a profound meditation on the interplay between art, nature, and human perception. Through their distinctive approaches to material and subject, Richard, Henry, and Richard WM Hudson offer a diverse yet cohesive exploration of the natural world, inviting viewers to reflect on their own relationship with the environment, a testament to the enduring power of nature as a source of inspiration and introspection in art.
Featured image: Installation view, Richard Hudson, Tear, Held and Twice in Claridge’s lobby. Photo credit Robert Glowacki.