The Lost Sculpture
The North Dock is attracting creatives in Liverpool and Make, based in Regent Rd, is the reason why. The facility allows people to harness skills, develop projects and come together with other like-minded people.
One of the artists from Make, Matt Smith, sparked Scottie Press’s attention with his unusual project to recreate a lost sculpture from Italian artist, Umberto Boccioni.
Umberto was a significant figure in the futurist movement of the 1900’s with a distinctive style that was controversial for the era, worked both as a painter and sculptor – “what interest me is his sculptures”, Matt says.
Unfortunately, Umberto tragically died at the age of 33 after being drafted into the military and thrown off his horse in cavalry training – with the majority of his sculptures being made just 18 months before his death – which is a remarkable achievement even today.
Matt had always been an admirer of Umberto’s work but the journey to recreate the lost sculpture began on a trip to Italy in 2010 after finding rare pictures of Umbertos sculptures he’d never seen before, “It then became an investigation”, he tells us.
The piece is named ‘Spiral Expansion of Muscles in Movement’ and the mystery behind who and why the sculptures were destroyed in still unknown today, however, recreating what they looked like was still possible.
Matt had experience in both traditional and modern art and worked on previous projects connecting digital processes with heritage, providing him with the vision to recreate the lost figures, “I’ve always loved the combinations of technology and arts.” he says.
After deciding to leave his job as a digital designer at Sony and pursue the making of the lost statue full time, he launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money in 2015.
He then started his route to Liverpool after deciding to buy a canal boat with his partner, where he’s been living throughout the project, “it’s one of the best decision I’ve made in years”.
Matts passion for Umberto’s work was apparent, he says “even by today’s standard the sculptures are contemporary, he captured movement in culture 100 years ago ” – which he has not seen to the same standard since. He explains how the project has allowed him to study his passion further and also display Boccioni’s legacy to new audiences.
For Matt it’s not just about his drive for uncovering the sculpture, honouring Umberto’s creations publicly and reclaiming history was important, “even if I could create 80% of the experience from 100 years ago.”
Overall, he estimates working six months continuously, with the majority of time using the 3D design programme to recreate the sculpture from the images which is formed using a 3D printer
With the sculpture complete, it’s easy to see why Matt was so dedicated to the project; the piece captures a powerful flowing figure with an almost limitless perspective. Since being made, the Open Eye Gallery hosted public life drawing sessions, “it’s so rewarding seeing what people get from it”. Matt says.
He credits Make in his accomplishments, explaining how the reflective environment and unique mix of artists pursuing creative goals builds a beneficial environment, “you can work individually, but you sort of work together speaking over cups of tea and sharing ideas”.
Matt’s continuing his work with another project of Umberto Boccioni on the way.
To find out more visit: http://uniqueforms.net/
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