leaping hare, embellished, 2/3 jan ‘80 1980

Curator: Barry Flanagan's "leaping hare, embellished, 2/3 jan ‘80," is a bronze sculpture held here at the Tate. It's roughly 75 by 100 centimeters. What strikes you first about it? Editor: Its dynamism! The hare is frozen mid-leap, yet the pose radiates energy, a life force captured in metal. It also has this strange platform, almost like a deconstructed hourglass. Curator: Flanagan often explored movement and form through his hares. I think he wanted to capture something essential about their wildness, their vulnerability, even their humor. The base is curious, isn't it? A playful juxtaposition. Editor: Definitely. The sculpture's rough texture contrasts with the geometric precision of the platform, creating a fascinating tension. It feels both ancient and modern. Curator: Exactly! Flanagan was so good at straddling those worlds. I think in the end, it reflects an ongoing fascination with form, movement, and the elusive essence of nature. Editor: It really invites you to contemplate the relationship between the organic and the constructed. I find it very thought-provoking.