Kenneth Armitage (British, 1916-2002)
“Both Arms” 1969-1970
Bronze 237×207×115 cm
His representation of the human form seen through his unique sense of humor was combined with geometrical shapes. The scale of these body parts−the chest, legs, or arms−were often much larger than life. This work was created after he had spent two years from 1967 in Berlin at the invitation of the German Academic Exchange Service. In 1961, the wall dividing East and West Berlin was built, leading to a period of great political tension. His sympathy and criticism regarding the situation there infuse these two arms that seem to overflow with life and are reminiscent of an ancient Egyptian sculpture.