Lakwena Maciver: A green and pleasant land (HA-HA) | Yorkshire Sculpture Park
My visit: March 2023.
Cost: £9.50 into the whole of Yorkshire Sculpture Park
What was it?
Lakwena Maciver’s solo show. A mix of canvas banners, bold typographic slogans, textiles, a sound piece and vivid colours in The Weston Gallery, Yorkshire Sculpture Park. The exhibition explored the concept of a ‘ha ha’. ( A ha ha is a sunken dip in the land that stops animals escaping, used in countryside fields, it creates a boundary and an uninterrupted view of the landscape ).
Why it mattered to me?
I found it so insightful – I had no idea what a ‘ha ha’ was before the exhibition. The exhibition as a whole was such an engaging and conceptual idea that unpicked a historical countryside landscape feature – something I would never be drawn to. Rather than just an uninteresting plaque in a museum, the exhibition was informative but also exciting as Lakwena has an authentic and fresh style which I always admire.
My takeaway:
The idea and metaphor of illusions and boundaries in relation to the ‘ha ha’ really stuck with me especially due to the typographic slogans and the scale of the pieces. Also, Lakwena’s use of vivid colours created a tactile richness that made the space feel alive. ‘Ha ha’ was brought to life visually in such a striking way plastered across the back wall (maybe a little sinister too) The sound piece – featuring only laughter – gave it a human aspect to it too.
Vibe:
A beautiful example of graphic design and art coming together in the North. I enjoyed the bold colours and the contemporary take on a historical subject. The Weston Gallery itself was bright and open and airy adding to the atmosphere. This was my first visit to YSP, I came especially for this exhibition as I really admire Lakwena, I first discovered her in Riposte Magazine.
All photographs are my own.