Spider at Tate Modern

Please note that this exhibition has now finished. For details on current and forthcoming arts events in London, click on the link below.

Whats On Arts Section

Part of the Louise Bourgeois retrospective on show at the contemporary arts venue, the giant spider at Tate Modern will sit outside the gallery until the beginning of the new year. The enormous spider is part of the first ever major survey in Britain of the French artist renowned for her stunning sculptural work, and spans seven decades of varied art from small works to large scale installations like the spider.

The spider at Tate Modern is entitled Maman and was created in 1999. Made of bronze, stainless steel and marble, the arachnid is one of six original pieces constructed by Bourgeois and its appearance at the modern art gallery is the first time it has ever been on show in the UK.

Similar to the spider that filled the massive turbine hall of the Tate Modern when the gallery first opened, visitors to the old power station will be able to walk in and around the spider's legs before they enter. Not neccessarily the most flattering of dedications in most people's eyes, the spider at Tate Modern is actually a tribute to Bourgeois' mother, who was a weaver. With connotations of spinning and weaving created by the giant spider, Maman reflects the caring nature of the mother by alluding to spiders being clever and creative beasts. The giant female spider also carries a pouch of white marble eggs beneath her, to convey the element of protection.

The exhibition of works by Louise Bourgeois contains more than 200 pieces with painting, printmaking, sculpture, installation and a huge variety of media. Asides from the giant spider, the works on display have autobiographical themes that show Bourgeois' strength of mind when it comes to taking her own path in the art world. Having experimented with various different art movements, Bourgeois continually comes back to her own style and has distanced herself from the contemporary avant garde art movements throughout her career.

As most of the works on display have never been seen before in the UK, including the spider, the Tate Modern Louise Bourgeois exhibition is sure to attract thousands of visitors to see her art. One of the most prolific of modern artists around, Bourgeois' long career and dedicated method of working sets her apart from many others and makes this exhibition one for any big art fan in the city.

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