The Arts Council Collection acquires work by Nnena Kalu
We are delighted to share that the Arts Council Collection have acquired Drawing 27 by Nnena Kalu. Drawing 27 was recently shown as part of an installed series of drawings by Nnena in the exhibition Trickster Figures: Sculpture and the Body at MK Gallery, curated by Jes Fernie.
These drawings are a direct expression of the artist’s physical movement. They are sculptural explorations of space dictated by the length and reach of Kalu’s arms and the size of the paper. In creating these works, which are frequently produced in pairs, the second an echo of the first, a rhythm is built up and multiple layers constructed. Drawing 27 is a pair of drawings formed as part of a more extensive series of drawings made between 2021 – 2023.
The Arts Council Collection supports and promotes British art and artists by acquiring works at early or critical stages in artits’ careers. With a focus on innovative work made by artists living in Britain, their acquisitions policy is characterised by a spirit of risk taking combined with an informed appraisal of current practices
The Acquisitions Committee for 2022-2023 includes Harriet Cooper (Head of Visual Arts, Jerwood Arts), Simeon Barclay (Artist), Vanessa Peterson (editor, photographer and writer), Marie-Anne McQuay (Head of Programmes, Bluecoat, Liverpool), Deborah Smith (Director, Arts Council Collection), Ralph Rugoff (Director, Hayward Gallery), Peter Heslip (Director, Visual Arts, Arts Council England) and Sir Nicholas Serota (Chair of Arts Council England and Chair to the Committee).
Photo credit: Francis Ware
