Abstract art courts curiosity at Trinity Hall

Metallic platforms on legs, alien-looking figures topped with glass orbs and a ground-hugging exhibit that looks like the skeleton of an ancient ship have all been installed in the courts and gardens of Trinity Hall.

The sculptures make up a touring exhibition by the Suffolk-based artist Jonathan Clarke and are being displayed in the College grounds until December.

Starting this week, members of the public will be able to take a look for themselves, but the intriguing structures are already provoking debate among students and staff.

Academics are puzzled as to what the abstract shapes might mean. The name of the exhibition – “Ports Of Call” – indicates they have something to do with maritime industry, but there have been suggestions that the objects are supposed to resemble stations of the cross, or, as one group of students put it, “ethereal animals grazing in the moonlight”.

Jonathan Clarke has exhibited all over the world and the present display has just returned to England from Denmark, where it was sponsored by the Danish Cultural Association.

Professor Martin Daunton, the Master of Trinity Hall, said: “Trinity Hall has a tradition of artistic patronage, a belief in creativity and a desire to open its doors to anyone who shares those artistic values.

“I hope this exhibition will mark the start of a new interest in the visual arts at Trinity Hall to complement its strong reputation in music and drama. The aim is to make this the first of a series of annual exhibitions of works of art to be held at the College.”

The display opens today (October 23) and will be open to the public daily from 10am to 12noon and 2pm to 5pm. The exhibition is open to the public and free to enter. Guides cost 50p and a full catalogue is available for £10. For more information on access call 01223 3322500.