Last week, our LC3 sculpture students and UC4 art scholars visited Hauser & Wirth, Somerset, to see the ‘Niki de Saint Phalle & Jean Tinguely, Myths & Machines’ exhibition. As two influential figures in contemporary art, Saint Phalle and Tinguely challenged traditional approaches to artmaking, driven by a shared spirit of experimentation and rebellion in both their work and their lives.
The exhibition highlighted the contrast between Tinguely’s kinetic, mechanical sculptures and Saint Phalle’s vibrant and expressive ‘Nanas’, amongst other works, while also revealing a playful quality within their collaborative works. Students engaged thoughtfully with the exhibition, taking part in discussions, designing their own drawing ‘machines’ and completing a series of practical drawing tasks.
Pupils reflected on the alternative perspectives offered by the works, noting that while aesthetics were important, a strong sense of fun and energy dominated the exhibition. They also observed how the artists collaborated successfully while remaining true to their individual artistic identities. Overall, it was a powerful exhibition that broadened our understanding of what art can be.
Mrs Debbie Coulson,
Head of Art
Cookies
We'd like to set cookies to understand how you use this site. We use services such as YouTube, Flockler and Hireroad that may also use third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our Cookies Policy.
Essential Cookies
We use these for core functionality, such as storing this cookie consent preference. These are loaded automatically and cannot be disabled by the user.
Analytics Cookies
We use Google Analytics to track visits to our website and how users interact with our website. This helps us improve the way our website works.
Personalised Advertising Cookies
We use Google Ads Conversions & Facebook Pixel to measure how you use and interact with our website and with our advertisements.
Our Partners Cookies
These cookies may be set by third party websites and do things like measure how you view videos or other content that is embedded on our site.
Our new Sixth Form Centre will provide innovative learning spaces, that prepare students for university, work and life. Find out more here.
Applications for Day and Boarding entry into Year 7 in 2026 are closing soon. Join our 5th March Virtual Open Evening to find out more
We also welcome enquiries for Day Places at other stages. Please complete our enquiry form and our Admissions team will be in touch.
Join us for our 21st March 2026 Open Day - open to anyone interested in joining in 2027 or beyond.