An art curator says she continues to discover new works in a free exhibition that features sculptures by Academy Award-winning actor Jim Broadbent. The Summer Contemporary exhibition is currently running at Britten Pears Arts' galleries at Snape Maltings in Suffolk and will remain open until Sunday.
The exhibition showcases both emerging and established artists, with notable pieces by actor Jim Broadbent, who is widely recognized for his roles in popular films including Harry Potter, Paddington, and the British comedy series Blackadder. This marks only the second time that Broadbent has publicly displayed his artwork, making it a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts to see his creative work outside of acting.
Exhibition curator Devi Singh expressed her excitement about including Broadbent's work alongside other artists, calling it "wonderful" to see his sculptures among the diverse collection. Singh noted that she is still learning about the various pieces in the exhibition, which she assembled with assistance from the gallery team. "I'm still seeing things and looking at things in different ways... I'm still discovering new beauties of works, it's a lovely thing," she explained.
The comprehensive exhibition features 160 works from various artists, including pieces by Laurence Edwards, who gained recognition for designing five 8-foot-tall statues that were installed on South Beach in Lowestoft in 2024. Singh emphasized the unique nature of the exhibition, explaining that it creates an inclusive environment where works by emerging artists who may have never exhibited before are displayed alongside sculptures on the lawn by renowned artists Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.
Broadbent's contributions to the exhibition consist of several human-like sculptures, which he has described as a method for developing characters outside of his acting work. Singh praised the actor's craftsmanship, noting the intricate details in the faces and costumes of his sculptures. "He's a great craftsman," she said. "If you look at all the intricacies of the face and the costumes, it's really delicate work."
Singh emphasized her commitment to making art accessible to everyone, stating that it was important to her that the exhibition included pieces "from a multitude of diverse artists in a space which is freeing." The free admission policy aligns with this vision of accessibility, allowing visitors from all backgrounds to experience contemporary art without financial barriers.
Broadbent's artistic endeavors represent an extension of his acclaimed acting career, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2002. He received this honor for his portrayal of John Bayley in the film "Iris," which depicted novelist Iris Murdoch's struggle with Alzheimer's disease. The exhibition provides a unique glimpse into the creative process of this versatile artist, demonstrating how his character development skills translate into three-dimensional sculptural work.
