Standing before you are two colossal forms. These forms almost seem to meet. Welcome to Large Two Forms by Henry Moore. This monumental sculpture has been a Toronto landmark since 1973.
Henry Moore was a British artist born in Yorkshire. He took the human figure as his main subject. Moore’s dedication to carving made him a significant sculptor. The Art Gallery of Ontario or AGO is home to the largest public collection of Henry Moore’s art in the world. It features over 900 works.
The AGO’s collection began in 1951. The Women’s Committee gifted a large bronze. The collection grew significantly in 1974. The artist donated 101 sculptures. He also donated 57 drawings and 150 prints.
Large Two Forms, created between 1966 and 1969, is an iconic piece. The sculpture measures 365 cm x 610 cm x 400 cm. Each element weighs about 3.5 tonnes. The shapes resemble human pelvis bones. Some say they are positioned as if copulating.
Moore created a small plaster maquette in 1966. This maquette was later cast in bronze. Moore also carved a stone version in red travertine. The full-sized version was made using polystyrene blocks. It was cast in bronze in Berlin. Four bronze casts exist. You can find them in different locations. These locations include Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Bonn.
Originally, Large Two Forms stood next to the AGO. It was at the corner of Dundas and McCaul streets. In 2017, it was moved to Grange Park. The Henry Moore Sculpture Centre opened in 1974. Moore donated many pieces to the museum. The center now holds around 950 objects. These objects appear on a rotating basis.
The design of the Centre involved Moore and architect John C. Parkin. They wanted natural lighting. The reflective flooring gives the massive works a feeling of lightness. Their ambition was to make the works appear floating on a pond.
The AGO has organized international exhibitions of Moore’s work. They have also published extensively on the artist. The Henry Moore Sculpture Centre attracts artist installations.
Toronto also has another Moore sculpture called The Archer. It sits by Toronto City Hall. Its unveiling caused quite a stir. Some people did not appreciate it initially.
So, as you gaze at Large Two Forms, consider its journey. Think about the artist’s vision. Appreciate the sculpture’s impact on Toronto’s art scene. It stands as a testament to Moore’s legacy.