Sex, beauty and the body-how Helen Chadwick shaped British contemporary art
Briefly

Helen Chadwick, a pivotal figure in contemporary British art, is celebrated for her provocative and complex works that blend emotion and materiality. Following her untimely death in 1996, interest in her art waned, but a new critical biography titled "Helen Chadwick: Life Pleasures" aims to revitalize awareness of her contributions. The publication includes insights from notable contributors and coincides with an exhibition celebrating her legacy. Laura Smith, the book's editor, emphasizes Chadwick's profound impact on the emergence of the Young British Artists, suggesting that modern British art would be vastly different without her influential presence.
Chadwick's work combines seduction and disgust, challenging traditional notions and engaging deeply with the body, something that's echoed in the works of the Young British Artists.
Laura Smith stated, 'I'd argue that both the book and exhibition should have happened sooner. British art wouldn't look the same now without her.'
Helen Chadwick defied categorization, exploring installation, photography, and performance that diverged from traditional male-dominant mediums, redefining contemporary British art.
The critical biography "Helen Chadwick: Life Pleasures" explores her lasting influence and the resurgence of her significance in recent years, acknowledging her innovative spirit.
Read at Theartnewspaper
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