The Angel of the North

I have been on a 700 mile road-trip to the north-east of England. A green and pleasant land, far from the madding crowds of London.

I was staying with friends and we saw quite a lot of things, some of which I may blog about separately.

Experiencing the Angel of the North up close was an unplanned highlight. Designed by British artist Antony Gormley and completed in 1998 – I’d always wanted to see it.  There is something powerful and arresting when you witness it. A stark, pagan beautiful and rather gigantic objet d’art. On that windswept hill high up in one of the most northerly parts of England – there is a profundity to it that causes you to stop and pause and think.

It can elicit a quasi-religious reaction. Most cultures throughout history have worshipped icons and totems and statues – false gods. I was reminded of such and felt the echo of something primal.

After Michelangelo’s David, I believe this is the most powerful sculpture I have experienced to date.

All photos taken by me on a budget digital compact and then toned in Lightroom.