Art branches out at Exeter University

A fascinating and unusual new artwork has been added to the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus, in the form of a sculpture wound around the branch of a tree and suspended in mid-air.

The sculpture, entitled White Entwined, was created by Devon artist Deborah Duffin.  Organic in shape, it hangs from the tree like huge exotic flower, fading from pink to white and is made from a multitude of wire collected over many years.

Duffin often uses recycled materials in her work and observes the natural world to inform her creative process.  The explanation for her interest in creating a sculpture suspended from a tree was inspired by the grounds of the campus. Duffin said: "Walking through the campus grounds, the glorious collection of trees set my imagination going – images of sculptures entwined around trunks, held within the grasp of multiple branches, dangling from on high, interlaced with the natural forms that inspire my work.”

The sculpture was specifically created with a tree in mind where it would descend from a branch, with a tail providing both a visual link and the means with which to tie the work to the branch. The pale colours of the shape were selected to show up against the background of greenery, and the tail entwined around the tree allows for a gradual change towards the colour of the bark.  A mixture of pinks, greens, browns and greys that would mimic both the colours in nature made up of millions of tiny flecks of colour and the way a painter might mix colour on canvas.

The University of Exeter’s Arts and Culture Co-ordinator, Naome Glanville said: “We are delighted with this new addition to the University Sculpture Walk. It is there for all to enjoy with its beautiful organic form which makes you stop to consider some of the wonderful patterns found in nature.”

This piece is one of around 40 sculptures on the Streatham Campus which can be viewed by the public from Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5pm. Some of the indoor sculptures may only be accessible in term times; however the can outdoor sculptures can be seen all year round.