West Kirby artist Ben Stephenson has been unveiled as the winner of the Liverpool Sculpture Prize.
His work, Laminae, is a cylindrical sculpture formed from layers of rammed earth.
His interest in rammed earth began during a residency project in Mexico, where he was introduced to its cultural and architectural significance. Since then, he has developed the material into a central part of his sculptural language, drawn to its sustainability and use in vernacular traditions across the globe.
Situated at Liverpool Parish Church in the city centre, it is designed to invite reflection on the material histories that shape place and identity.
Ben said: “It’s a huge honour to receive the Liverpool Sculpture Prize. This piece reflects my ongoing interest in the relationship between nature and time; drawing from the vernacular of materials such as earth, clay, and sand to speak of cycles and memory.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to create something rooted in the city’s history and environment, and I hope the work connects with those who encounter it in unexpected ways.”
Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool Business Improvement District (BID) Company which helps organises the competition, said: “This is such a stunning work and we are delighted to have it installed for the next twelve months at Liverpool Parish Church.
“Public art plays such an important role in our cities, and this is such a striking piece which brings a story of nature into the heart of a bustling city.
“It is such a great opportunity to be able to showcase the best of contemporary art in Liverpool, and it is part and parcel of what makes life in this wondrous place so great”.
Ben’s work was chosen by a panel of judges from the artworld and Liverpool’s business and civic communities from submissions from artists across the UK.
Liverpool Sculpture Prize, created and managed by Liverpool BID Company and Liverpool Parish Church, is open to any sculptor working and living in the UK.
Photos credit: Adam Kendrick
