For summer, British artist Jonathan Baldock (b.1980) takes over our first-floor galleries with a new commission, channelling his long-held interest in myth and folklore. The new installation takes inspiration from Michel Pastoureau’s historical study The Bear: History of a Fallen King, exploring the symbolic life of the bear from ancient forest deity to children’s bedtime companion. Deeply rooted in traditional craft techniques, Baldock’s practice often works with natural materials such as clay and textiles, imbuing the work with a tactile familiarity.
Saturated with humour and wit, Baldock works across multiple platforms including sculpture, installation and performance, with work often taking on a biographical form, addressing the trauma, stress, sensuality, mortality, and spirituality around our relationship to the body and the space it inhabits. Working in a performative manner, his exhibition at Arnolfini builds upon recent projects at Jupiter Artland and Yorkshire Sculpture Park, encompassing multiple senses, from sight, touch, sound and scent.
Image credit: Mother Flower, Jonathan Baldock, 2022, hessian, felt, ceramic stoneware, wadding, hollow fibre, wood, boning, dried roses, dimensions variable. © Jonathan Baldock. Courtesy the artist and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London. Photo by Todd-White Art Photography.
We are delighted that Jonathan Baldock has created a series of ten limited edition ceramic plates, which can be purchased for £750 each. All proceeds will go towards supporting his upcoming solo exhibition at Arnolfini in Summer 2026.
If you are interested in purchasing one of the editions, please contact Doug Middling, Development Manager, doug.middling@arnolfini.org.uk. If you are interested in making an additional donation to support the exhibition, or becoming a supporter of Arnolfini please note this in your enquiry.
Anyone who purchases one of the limited editions will receive an invitation for themselves and a guest to the exhibition Preview at Arnolfini next Summer.
About the Artist
Jonathan Baldock
Jonathan Baldock works across multiple platforms including sculpture, installation and performance. With work often taking on a biographical form, he addresses the trauma, stress, sensuality, mortality and spirituality around our…
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