Ariadne (Wrapped)

Ariadne (Wrapped) is a sculpture by renowned British artist Gavin Turk. Unveiled at Station Square, Cambridge, in June 2022, the piece depicts Greek Goddess Ariadne as an exploration of an “out-of-focus” classical form that plays against the colonnades of Cambridge Station’s classical architecture.

Turk cites Italian artist Giorgio de Chirico – known for his surrealist works often picturing a white colonnade and a piazza – as an inspiration for the sculpture of Ariadne whose reclining figure is located in front of a set arches at the station building. The use of playful trompe l’oeil and the ambiguity of the sculpture juxtaposed against the vibrant public square leaves the viewer questioning its meaning.

Inspired by surrealist artistic methodologies, Turk’s work appears shows an object wrapped in a dust sheet as if awaiting unpackaging. The cloth itself, however, forms a key part of the artwork, suggesting that the sculpture is in a constant state of transportation, accompanied by the bustle of passing trains as the figure remains stationary. The criss-crossing ropes represent navigation lines, referencing new perspectives.

As a wrapped work, Turk’s piece reminds the viewer of artworks by artist duo Christo and Jeanne-Claude; iconic for their large-scale landmark installations often wrapped in fabric. This concept of wrapping artwork deceives the eye. Turk was inspired by this idea, and we encounter Ariadne as a figure metaphorically wrapped in history, context and time.

Developer Brookgate commissioned Ariadne (Wrapped) as a commitment to investing in culture along with the ongoing delivery of the CB1 Estate. The artwork was carefully selected through a series of proposals over several years. This included consultations with the full Cambridge City Council Public Art Panel, and a Public Art Steering Group, comprising representatives from the community, local businesses, members of the arts fraternity and Council officers. It forms part of a series of artworks at the CB1 Estate.

Watch the film below to hear Gavin Turk talking about his inspiration for the project. For more information on Gavin’s work please visit gavinturk.com