Based on one of Gormley’s most famous works is ‘Field for the British Isles’ (1993) this installation will be a fitting symbol of our children as agents of social change in their schools and communities. Gormley’s piece comprises around forty thousand small clay figures. Each one is unique and is simply made, with holes for eyes. The figures completely occupy the space in which they are installed, filling the space so the viewer can look at the figures, but cannot enter the space they occupy.
This work of art is designed to make people think about three questions: Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going?
Gormley talks about the tiny figures as a collective body. There is a similar idea in Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth, where he describes the church as being like a body, made up of many different parts. (1 Corinthians 12: 12 – 27) All the parts of the body are necessary if it is to function properly, including those that may seem weaker or less attractive. It is only when we all work together and when every individual is valued, that we can live life to the full.
