Body
And Soul
Antony Gormley's Body And Soul series, executed in 1990, delves into the complexities of human existence, and our place in the universe through a series of nine contemplative etchings. Each print, sequentially titled from Body and Soul 1 to Body and Soul 9, features etched figures that appear to oscillate between emergence and dissolution, reflecting on the corporeal and metaphysical aspects of human existence.
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Meaning & Analysis
Antony Gormley's Body And Soul series extends his exploration of the human body, utilising the etching medium to unify the human body's physical, psychological and spiritual states. The series portrays elements of human body in various degrees of abstraction and figuration. The figures, isolated against stark backgrounds, are depicted in poses that suggest introspection and vulnerability. This treatment highlights the body's role as a vessel for emotional and existential inquiries.
The etching process allows Gormley to depict intricate detail and texture, which he uses to accentuate the tactile quality of the human skin and the surrounding space. The intaglio lines are both delicate and forceful, creating a dynamic surface that invites viewers to contemplate the materiality of the body and the emotional resonances it holds.
In Body and Soul, Gormley navigates the paradoxical relationship between individuality and universality. While each print is distinctly individual, the series' uniform style speaks to universal experiences of the human condition—suggesting a shared essence that transcends physical form.
