Collection
System no. 24
Julian Wild (b. 1975)
System no. 24
powder coated steel
4 m high
2008
In 2005 Wild was shortlisted in the Jerwood Sculpture Prize with his proposal for System no. 10.
Although System no. 24 has a deliberately ambiguous title to encourage onlookers to interpret the piece in their own way, the sculpture is in fact a direct response to Ragley. Its shape is based on the classical urns in the gardens and its striking colour is taken from the silk covered walls of Wyatt's opulent Red Saloon in the house.
Julian's series of Systems explore the point at which line becomes form and in System no. 24 a continuous line of steel tubing encloses empty space, following sharp angles but creating a curvilinear structure overall. It is sited on a slope, balanced on one end and giving the illusion that it is about to role forward. Its form casts a complex shadow on the slope, which moves and changes length as the sun follows its course through the day. In Julian's words, 'This sculpture would be relevant to both the interior and exterior of Ragley Hall' and ' would bring playfullness, dynamism and colour to the Jerwood Sculpture Collection'.