Arena (2000)

Alison Wilding’s Arena, from AD 2000 is a polycarbonate and cast polyurethane rubber sculpture. It is different from Wilding's other sculptures in that it presents us with mass without weight. Concentric bands of transparent grey acrylic appear to billow out from a narrow base, with each new layer slotting into the one below. Balanced on the rim of the sculpture, as well as nestled inside, are two wedge-shaped lozenges. These static elements, which hold and respond to light in a different way to the acrylic, offer a point of contrast to the restless dynamism of the sculpture. The whole exhibit reminds me of the universe- beautiful, yet mysterious; divinely wrought yet temporal; uniform yet innovative.

In heaven, I dare say we shall each one of us know more physics than earth’s greatest boffins, more chemistry and biology than all the university faculties combined. Yet our awe and admiration for the great creation’s Great Creator shall never diminish with time’s passing.