Bowman Sculpture Gallery is thrilled to announce the launch of its inaugural Graduate Exhibition, spotlighting the brightest and most promising talent in the world of sculpture. This exceptional showcase will feature works by 12 young artists hand-picked from London’s foremost art institutions, setting the stage for the next generation of sculptors. The inaugural Bowman Sculpture Gallery Graduate Exhibition will open to the public on 1st November and run through to 22nd November.
Nestled in the prestigious Duke Street, St James’s area, renowned for its sophisticated galleries and distinguished dealers, Bowman Sculpture Gallery’s latest exhibition offers a youthful contrast to its traditionally refined surroundings. The gallery is widely considered to be the foremost gallery in the world for sculpture by Auguste Rodin and most recently exhibited ‘Faces and Fables: Rodin’s Portraiture, Great Commissions, Mythology, and Sculptural Innovations’, a critically acclaimed exhibition which featured a stunning array of 30 sculptures from his earliest works through to the final pieces of his career.
“Our Graduate Exhibition is more than just a display of new talent,” says Mica Bowman, Director of Bowman Sculpture Gallery. “It is a celebration of the innovative spirit and boundless creativity that these young sculptors bring to the art world. By featuring their work in such a prominent location, we aim to bridge the gap between emerging and established art circles.”
Sculpture by Naroul
The exhibition will include a diverse array of sculptural styles and mediums, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of contemporary sculpture. Each piece has been meticulously selected to highlight the unique vision and craftsmanship of its creator, offering visitors a glimpse into the future of sculptural art.
So far, a group of 12 young artists have confirmed their participation in the show in October. The exhibition features artists from various backgrounds, each with their own narrative and perspective. Bowman Sculpture hopes to provide a varied and inclusive presentation with the current selection. A full list of names will be released closer to the opening of the exhibition. Bowman Sculpture can reveal the names of 3 sculptors who will exhibit in the inaugural graduate exhibition this October; Neal Camilleri, Lydia Smith and Naroul. The remaining artists will be revealed this autumn.
Neal Camilleri (Malta, born 1999): “Being selected for the recent graduate exhibition at Bowman Sculpture was an emotional moment for me. When I initially came to London, visiting various galleries in the city was a top priority, and showcasing my work at Duke Street St James’s was a significant personal achievement. I appreciate Daniel and Mica for including me in the exhibition. The excitement of seeing my artwork displayed alongside creations by talented artists gives me a profound sense of accomplishment, and this acknowledgement motivates me to pursue my passion and further develop as an artist.”
Lydia Smith (British, born 1995): “Bowman Sculpture supports contemporary talent, which gives me hope for the future of sculpture. This exhibition will be an example of how boundaries can be pushed when emerging artists and heritage work together. I feel honoured to be one of the artists participating.”
Naroul (China, born 2000):“As an artist from China, I am truly honoured to participate in this exhibition at Bowman Gallery. I believe that this graduate exhibition is not only a significant milestone in my personal career but also provides valuable opportunities for the other participating artists. I am eagerly looking forward to viewing the outstanding works from other academies and gaining new inspiration and insights from them. To exhibit alongside such talented artists is a rare opportunity for learning and exchange for me.”
For collectors, this exhibition represents a rare opportunity to discover and acquire works from the art world’s rising stars at the outset of their careers. For the artists, it is a chance to engage with a broader audience, gain critical exposure, and build professional relationships within a historic and influential art market.
In addition to its rich history of specializing in 19th and 20th-century sculpture for over three decades, Bowman Sculpture Gallery has been progressively enhancing its reputation as a contemporary gallery. In recent years, the gallery has actively contributed to the contemporary market, significantly increasing its representation of contemporary artists. Notable recent additions include contemporary Italian artist Massimiliano Pelletti, whose first solo show in London in October 2023 was a sell-out. Furthermore, British artist Joanna Allen is scheduled to exhibit her first solo show at the gallery in April 2025.
The gallery will host two separate, invitation-only openings: a preview on the 29th October for collectors to view the works ahead of the public opening, and a second opening party on the 31st October (Halloween) for friends of the gallery and the artists, celebrating this inaugural exhibition in a fun and less traditional sense.
