Grounds for Sculptures is a sculpture park in Hamilton, NJ, nor far from where I live. Its founder is Seward Johnson whose work has long been criticized by art critics as “kitsch”, with some even refusing to call him an artist. From the throngs of visitors yesterday, it seems that the public does not share those views. It was a beautiful, sunny day for photography, and here is a sample of what I saw. They are mainly sculptures based on famous paintings that you will easily recognize.
Entrance to Grounds for Sculptures.
A sculpture based on Edouard Manet’s Olympia looks on the entrance and parking lot.
A Turn of the Century, based on Dance at Bougival by Pierre Auguste Renoir.
Sculpture based on Claude Monet’s Woman with a Parasol.
Welcome Home, a sculpture of Van Gogh’s bedroom.
Were you Invited? Based on Pierre Auguste Renoir’s ‘The Luncheon of the Boating Party’.
Sculpture of The Scream by Edvard Munch.
Forever Marilyn, in small size inside.
That looks like a really neat place, I certainly would visit and shoot a little bit, if I got near it! Your images give a beautiful appetizing taste of the place.
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I can see why the sculptures are popular – it’s not my taste, but he is very good at mimicking the masters. It just seems a strange thing to do, copying someone else’s work, and in another medium – from 2d to 3d. I wonder what the impetus is behind it. Thank you for the tour though – very curious!
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He also has more original creations, and I’ll post some of those images in a day or two. The place also has many sculptures by other people.
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I’m looking forward to seeing that, thanks!
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I often wonder what today’s art critics would think of the paintings of the Dutch masters or the French impressionists today if those bodies of work weren’t already considered classics. I enjoyed the tour through your fine photos.
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I’m glad you like this tour of Grounds for Sculpture. An actual tour of the place is really worht it, if you happen to be in this neck of the woods.
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How interesting – quite a talent. I can see that they would not appeal to the ‘art world’ as they seem to continually look for different and even outrageous
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Thank you for commenting Diana! You are quite right about those art critics.
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I like them! I wonder what the other people consider art?
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Thank you for commenting!
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What are the sculptures made of, Hien? I think they’re wonderful.
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Lois, they are made of bronze, at least most of them.
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And some don’t consider him an artist? Oh, dear….
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