Allen Jones RA, Royal Academy Burlington Gardens
Creator of the controversial furniture sculptures of women, Royal Academy plays host to the fourth major retrospective of British Pop artist, Allen Jones
Allen Jones RA, Hat Stand (1969), courtesy of Royal Academy
Allen Jones first established a reputation as a young talent while studying at the Royal College of Art in London, and has gone on to gain international recognition and fame, with retrospectives touring worldwide. After being expelled from the Royal College in 1964 he moved to New York, where he was seduced by the colourful, modern aesthetic of consumer goods and American advertisements. Jones's highly sexualized and objectified sculptures of women, inspired by bondage and S&M, became the ultimate fetish of a culture that sought to make everything a commodity.
Forniphiliac
Among Jones's most well-known – and controversial – works are his “forniphiliac” sculptures of women standing or lying in positions to resemble furniture. The works divided critics when they were first shown in 1970, with some feminists strongly objecting to the obvious objectification of women. Fascinatingly the sculptures inspired the furniture of the Korova Milk Bar in Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange, in which milk is served from the nipples of the female figures.
Why the exhibition is worth a look
This highlight of the Royal Academy London exhibitions is an exciting chance to see rarely displayed drawings as well as Jones’s sculpture, painting and prints, which bring new insight into the artist’s creative process and reveal him to be a highly talented draughtsman. Simultaneously outrageous and seductive , expect Jones's imagery to rub against the grain in this must-see art exhibition 2014.
Don't miss Provocations in Art: Allen Jones's 'Chair', a thrilling talk between the conservator that repaired the Chair after it was attacked with acid in 1986, feminist and fashion commentator Grace Woodward, curator Edith Devaney and Tate Britain curator Stacy Boldrick. Friday 5 December, 6.30pm, tickets £18. Click here to book.
Also look out for the Curator talk, private view and drinks reception of the Allen Jones exhibition on Monday 19th January, 6.30 pm. Tickets are £20, members £16. Click here to book your tickets.
Forniphiliac
Among Jones's most well-known – and controversial – works are his “forniphiliac” sculptures of women standing or lying in positions to resemble furniture. The works divided critics when they were first shown in 1970, with some feminists strongly objecting to the obvious objectification of women. Fascinatingly the sculptures inspired the furniture of the Korova Milk Bar in Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange, in which milk is served from the nipples of the female figures.
Why the exhibition is worth a look
This highlight of the Royal Academy London exhibitions is an exciting chance to see rarely displayed drawings as well as Jones’s sculpture, painting and prints, which bring new insight into the artist’s creative process and reveal him to be a highly talented draughtsman. Simultaneously outrageous and seductive , expect Jones's imagery to rub against the grain in this must-see art exhibition 2014.
Don't miss Provocations in Art: Allen Jones's 'Chair', a thrilling talk between the conservator that repaired the Chair after it was attacked with acid in 1986, feminist and fashion commentator Grace Woodward, curator Edith Devaney and Tate Britain curator Stacy Boldrick. Friday 5 December, 6.30pm, tickets £18. Click here to book.
Also look out for the Curator talk, private view and drinks reception of the Allen Jones exhibition on Monday 19th January, 6.30 pm. Tickets are £20, members £16. Click here to book your tickets.
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| What | Allen Jones RA, Royal Academy Burlington Gardens |
| Where | Royal Academy, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BD | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Green Park (underground) |
| When |
13 Nov 14 – 25 Jan 15, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Price | £11.50 |
| Website | Click here for more information |