The Facts
A monumental installation by British sculptor Antony Gormley will be unveiled in spring 2027 on Wonpyeong Beach, Bigeum Island, Sinan County, South Jeolla province, South Korea. Titled 'Elemental,' the work is the artist's most ambitious to date, measuring 110 metres long and 25 metres high and constructed from stainless steel space frames. The sculpture lies directly on the tidal flats, with geometry derived from human body proportions scaled to the terrain. It is designed to be walked around and through, and will be partially submerged twice daily at high tide, with marine growth such as barnacles and mussels expected to accumulate on the lower structure over time.
The Signal
'Elemental' marks a significant expansion of Gormley's practice into a site-specific, environment-engaged public sculpture, reinforcing his longstanding interest in the relationship between body and landscape. For collectors and curators, the work signals a continued trend toward large-scale, permanent installations in remote natural settings, which can enhance an artist's institutional legacy and attract tourism—potentially increasing secondary-market demand for related works. The piece also underscores Thaddaeus Ropac's commitment to facilitating major outdoor projects that transcend conventional gallery spaces, positioning Gormley's output within broader conversations around ecology and public art.
- Artists: Antony Gormley
- Galleries: Thaddaeus Ropac
- Locations: Wonpyeong Beach, Bigeum Island, Sinan County, South Jeolla, South Korea
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