Curator's Talk: Kira Freije

Artist Kira Freije has created a significant new body of work for this exhibition at The Hepworth Wakefield. comprising hand- welded, life-size metal figures, both human and animal, expressively posed and arranged in groups. Visitors can experience the emotionally charged scenes by walking amongst the carefully composed groupings of figures, enhanced by evocative lighting design.

In conversation with The Hepworth Wakefield’s Interim Artist Director, Laura Smith, Freije will discuss how she creates her life-sized figures, the dynamic staging that is cinematic in both effect and its references, and how her practice is deeply reflective of her interest in literature.

‘Kira Freije is able to create feelings of such sensitivity and tenderness through the somewhat extreme material processes of metalworking and sand casting. Her works are constructed both emotionally and industrially, taking form as meditative beings who speak – metaphorically – of love and loss, while reminding us of the kindness and care that can exist in the cadence of daily rituals. This exhibition represents her most significant presentation to date, and we are thrilled to welcome her and her works to The Hepworth Wakefield.’ Laura Smith, Interim Artistic Director