Ultimate Form

Barbara Hepworth

Dame Jocelyn Barbara Hepworth DBE is internationally recognised as one of the most influential Modernist sculptors of the 20th century. Born in 1903 in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, a place that would become an important inspiration for her artwork.

Made in 1971 this piece called Ultimate Form is the final statement in a series of nine sculptures titled Family of Man. The series consists of six freestanding figures that represent the lifespan of a woman from her formative years to young adulthood, to parenthood, and returning to the ancestors as the ‘Ultimate Form’. In an interview Hepworth stated,

“The Ultimate Form has the kind of serenity saying, ‘go on working – here I am’.”

It is the first artwork acquired by Adelaide Festival Centre for its grand opening 2nd June 1973 purchased through public donations. Ultimate Form was previously positioned in the sculpture garden at the main entrance. Following extensive redevelopments in 2020-23 the sculpture was relocated to this new location where it has a direct relationship to the natural surroundings. Adelaide Festival Centre is proud to own this masterpiece.

Elder Park, Riverbank Precinct

Year Produced

1971

Materials

Bronze

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