Exposure (sculpture)
Exposure is a monumental sculpture created by British artist Antony Gormley, located in Lelystad, Netherlands. Completed in 2010, it depicts a crouching human figure, constructed from a framework of steel beams. The sculpture is situated in a vast, open polder landscape, and its open structure allows the wind and light to pass through, creating a dynamic and visually arresting presence.
The figure measures approximately 26 meters (85 feet) in height and is fabricated from over 6,000 individual steel components. These components are joined together in a seemingly random yet carefully considered configuration, forming a three-dimensional lattice. This open construction contrasts with the solid mass typically associated with figurative sculpture.
The artwork is designed to interact with its environment, both physically and perceptually. Its size and location make it visible from a considerable distance, and its form changes depending on the viewer's perspective and the prevailing weather conditions. The sculpture's title, "Exposure," alludes to both the physical exposure of the artwork to the elements and the metaphorical exposure of the human form.
Gormley's intention with "Exposure" was to create a contemporary landmark that references the human connection to the landscape and the ongoing process of land reclamation that defines the Flevoland province where it resides. The sculpture has become a prominent feature of the region and a popular destination for visitors.