Silence – Alone in a World of Wounds at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor
Silence – Alone in a World of Wounds
© Silence - Alone In A World Of Wounds, 2021. Courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park & The Oak Project. Photo © Jonty Wilde

Silence – Alone in a World of Wounds at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield 5 June 2021 — 5 June 2023 Entrance is free — Visit now

Can art save us from extinction? It’s a bold, and some might say, naïve question. But what better a medium might there be to help humanity repair its connection with the natural world. A connection that goes beyond use-value, as is needed if we are to truly diverge from the path towards complete ecological and climate collapse that we are on.

The aim of developing ‘nature connectedness’ among people through art as a way of driving positive environmental change lies at the heart of The Oak Project, a new partnership between Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the University of Derby and the Bronze Oak Project Ltd. And this year’s World Environmental Day (5 June) will see the launch of its first artist commission, framed around this challenge to art as a restorative force.

Nestled within a stand of birch trees beside YSP’s Upper Lake, visitors will find ‘Silence – Alone in a World of Wounds’ – a sculptural space created by Heather and Ivan Morison of the artist-led creative practice Studio Morison. Built of natural materials, such as timber and thatch, the circular structure will exist as an extended open pavilion and oasis of calm, in which visitors are invited to engage in an act of solitary communion with the natural world. To stop and connect, to consider and experience, and to listen. The artists describe the work as a ‘gift of time and attention’ intended to open our eyes to the wounds that humans have inflicted upon nature and to deepen our desire to heal them.

Designed, of course, with great care for the environmental impact of the work, ‘Silence’ will gradually decompose; the materials (largely sourced from within the West Bretton estate at YSP) eventually returning to the ground from which they came. All the more reason to head out now and spend an hour or two with this special creation, and to revisit it as it changes and evolves over the years ahead.

Silence – Alone in a World of Wounds at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield 5 June 2021 — 5 June 2023 Entrance is free Visit now

Where to go near Silence – Alone in a World of Wounds at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Newmillerdam Country Park
Wakefield
Park
Newmillerdam Country Park

With a central lake and woodland, Newmillerdam Country Park is a haven for wildlife – a welcoming expanse of greenery just outside Wakefield.

Ossett Brewery Taproom
Wakefield
Bar or Pub
Ossett Brewery Taproom

With outdoor seating just 30 minutes drive outside Wakefield, Ossett Brewery specialises in award-winning real ales and has taproom and brewery tours on site.

A Touch of Craft Yorkshire

A Touch of Craft is a fresh, clean and vibrant space to learn new skills, meet new people and have some YOU time! ​
We only started in December 2021 but since then we have had sell out class after sell out class!

Cannon Hall Museum Park & Gardens, Barnsley
Barnsley
Museum
Cannon Hall Museum Park & Gardens

Cannon Hall is a stunning Georgian country house museum with outstanding fine and decorative art collections, set in 70 acres of historic parkland and beautiful landscape gardens. It is the perfect day out for all the family.

Event venue
Cannon Hall Farm

Cannon Hall Farm opened to the public for the first time in 1989. Since that time we have added adventure playgrounds, gift shop, farm shop, two restaurants and an indoor playground.

7A Wakefield Richard Wheater, Neon Workshops (c) Nicholas Singleton
Event venue
7A Wakefield

Wakefield’s 7A is a flexible performance / exhibition space Yorkshire. It is host to a number of impressive events used by Leeds College of Music, Wakefield College and the Neon Workshops.

Sandal Castle
Wakefield
Tourist Attraction
Sandal Castle

The romantic ruins of this medieval castle stand in a commanding position overlooking the Yorkshire countryside.

Holmfield Arms
Wakefield
Hotel
Holmfield Arms

A popular lodge-style hotel set in picturesque parkland with its own restaurant, close to Wakefield city centre.

Neon Workshops
Wakefield
Neon Workshops

One of Wakefield’s coolest companies, book a workshop, visit a temporary exhibition or browse Neon Workshops’ online shop.

Warehouse23
Wakefield
Music venue
Warehouse23

Hosting international and local talent, Warehouse23 is an independently run live music venue, and widely considered to be one of Wakefield’s best.

What's on: Exhibitions

Culture Guides

Teenage Dads
Music in Manchester and the North

Fresh concert seasons, forward-thinking festivals and a revolving door of amazing gigs. Things are looking bright as spring comes into view.