As You Like It: Translating the Play’s Harmony into visual art
Acclaimed young sculptor and artist Jacob Chandler has announced he is embarking on a unique and exciting project. His project has involved collaboration with the Globe Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Soulton Hall. The project has also been generously supported by The Lord Barnard, who holds the Lordship of the Manor of Wem. This undertaking will see Chandler create new work inspired by The Dance of Harmony that concludes Shakespeare’s beloved comedy As You Like It.
Assesing the work Dr Will Tosh, Head of Research at the Globe Theatre has said:
Jacob Chandler’s collection captures the vitality of Shakespeare’s characters in all their edgy, front-footed, dynamic beauty. This is the world of As You Like It brought thrillingly to life.
Jacob Chandler with his ‘As YOu Like It’ Dancers artwork which features in the 2024 Shrewsbury Arts Trail
The project has also been generously supported by The Lord Barnard, who holds the Lordship of the Manor of Wem.This undertaking will see Chandler create new work inspired by The Dance of Harmony that concludes Shakespeare’s beloved comedy As You Like It.
Chandler’s rise to prominence has been startling. After a health scare forced him to reconsider his career path, he turned to his passion for art where he quickly found success — he is the youngest artist to exhibit at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists.
Audrey, Touchstone, The Orlando and Rosalind figures from Jacob Chandler’s AS YOU LIKE IT dancers.
Chandler’s sculptures are known for their ability to capture movement at its peak, often drawing inspiration from the world of dance and choreography.
For this new project, Chandler will be exploring the themes of renewal, reconciliation, and how they are linked to mathematicical harmony. This is shown to us by Shakespeare in the play via The Dance of Harmony commanded by the god Hymen as the play closes.
The work will premiere at Shrewsbury Museum as part of the 2024 Arts Trail, touring venues in London and Oxford, and will also be shown at Soulton Hall.
This collaboration is a wonderful testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare’s work, which continues to inspire artists and audiences centuries after it was written.
Chandler Jacob with Phoebe and Silvius
My Shrewsbury has covered this work here.
