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Wharf Life Jul 29-Aug 12, 2020 wharf-life.com
why Helaine Blumenfeld believes placing art in areas like Canary Wharf is so important
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Sculptures by Helaine Blumenfeld are currently on show across the Canary Wharf estate
Helaine stands among the three elements of her work Illusion, on show in Cabot Square in Canary Wharf
by Jon Massey
M
y whole career I’ve been involved in getting sculpture out of galleries and museums and into the street, into public places where people can react and interact and get something from it,” said Helaine Blumenfeld. The sculptor is talking to me by phone from her home in Grantchester near Cambridge, about her largest ever exhibition, currently spread across the Canary Wharf estate. Looking Up brings together 40 of her works for the first time – 0 in the lobby of One Canada Square and 10 monumental pieces displayed in the estate’s parks and squares. Many will already be familiar with the rearing, golden form of Fortuna, commissioned by Canary Wharf and long resident in ubilee ark. Originally intended for Wood Wharf, it’s now set to remain in place with Metamorphosis arriving to fulfil that purpose, with this major exhibition timed to celebrate its installation. ith its official launch stymied by lockdown, Helaine’s smaller works will now remain in place until November 6 indoors with the larger pieces staying until January , 0 . “I think the wonderful thing has been that during lockdown, perhaps more so than it would have been the case otherwise, I’ve been getting reactions from people on my website saying things like: ‘I don’t know you but I want to thank you – your sculpture has been like a beacon in a dark place’,” said Helaine. “I felt I shared perspective with
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Taking Risks is probably my favourite – I like the sense of precariousness. Every time we take a risk we grow a little, I think Helaine Blumenfeld, Artist Images by Sean Pollock