Goodwood: get close to art through movement, imagination and play

As the summer holidays begin, Goodwood Art Foundation has unveiled major new installations that invite visitors to get close to art through movement, imagination and play. The new additions by Helio Oiticica, Isamu Noguchi and Leap then Look introduce bold colours, geometric forms and maze-like structures to the 70-acre landscape, which has been carefully designed to deliver “incredible art encounters” throughout woods and meadows.

Richard Grindy, director of Goodwood Art Foundation, said: “We are excited to present a trio of work by three very different artists this summer who had one key idea in common – that art can be an active experience and not always something to be observed from a distance. “Although there are lots of reasons why some artwork cannot be touched – and this is true of many of the artworks on display in our galleries and grounds – we’re looking forward to welcoming our visitors and members for a different experience of art this summer. Expect big colour, plenty of Instagrammable moments and joyful memories made for all ages.

“For eight weeks only, a large-scale maze-like pavilion made from interconnected sculptural forms will take its place at the top of the Foundation’s vast wildflower meadow.

“Created by artist duo Leap Then Look, Free Form is part sculpture, part architecture and part playground. Through its colourful geometric forms and free-flowing construction, pathways, open spaces and unexpected viewpoints appear. Visitors of all ages are invited to move through it, pause within, and reimagine their relationship with the environment around them.

“Known for creating huge play zones and interactive exhibitions in some of the UK’s best-known arts institutions, including Tate, The National Gallery and Turner Contemporary, Leap Then Look creates spaces that invite exploration, curiosity and participation from children and adults alike.

“Free Form was originally commissioned by Towner Eastbourne for the BN9 programme in Newhaven and was developed in consultation with local children's groups. Its installation at Goodwood Art Foundation marks its first outing in West Sussex.”

Also featuring this summer is the massive Magic Square #3, the first outdoor work by Brazilian artist Hélio Oiticica to be installed in Europe.

“Oiticica (1937-1980) is widely regarded as one of Brazil’s leading artists of the 20th century, known for his innovative exploration of colour. His Magic Square series, developed between 1977 and 1979, are monumental examples of these investigations.

“Made from large, brightly coloured squares and with a footprint measuring 15 x 15 x 5 metres, this open-air labyrinth invites participation, awe and wonder, from all who venture inside. The work has been meticulously constructed according to the late artist’s instructions and is finally being unveiled this summer in the western part of the Foundation’s 70-acre landscape – a striking presence at the edge of the woodland, with views to the Sussex coast.

“One of the key inspirations behind FREE FORM is the work of Japanese American artist Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988), who redefined the boundaries of sculpture through a practice rooted in experimentation and play. The Foundation is already home to one of Noguchi's artworks – Octetra (Three Element Stack) (1968/2021) which is nestled within a wooded glade. In August, a new artwork by Noguchi called Play Sculpture (c1965-80) will be unveiled, complementing the playful outdoor collection of works that visitors can now interact with, just as the artist intended.”

Children under 18 always go free at Goodwood Art Foundation, with standard adult tickets costing £15. Membership is offered as the best-value way to enjoy the Foundation all year round. Summer season opening hours: Thursday-Monday, 9am-5pm. Goodwood Art Foundation, New Barn Hill, Goodwood, Chichester, PO18 0QP.

www.goodwoodartfoundation.org

In time for the summer, Goodwood Art Foundation is also relaunching a free shuttle bus from Chichester train station. The fully electric 14-seat Ford E-Transit will depart from the south side of the train station hourly, giving those on foot or arriving by bus or train an easy route to reach the Foundation. Passengers using the bus are entitled to buy the £10 Green Traveller admission ticket, which can be pre-booked or bought on arrival at the Foundation.