Hoop-La
Alice Aycock

Alice Aycock’s sculptures are inspired by scientific phenomena, nature, and engineering. Hoop-La is part of Turbulence, a series of sculptures visualising wind and water energy. Having experienced wild storms and violent tornadoes, Aycock is both frightened and fascinated by these uncontrollable forces. Structures of steel ribbons become visual metaphors for both the extreme weather they represent and the sensation of being swept up in them.

Both architecturally impressive in its construction and details up-close, the swirling shapes of Hoop-La create a hypnotic and dynamic sculpture that looks different from each vantage point, with elements resembling the sharp blades of propellers or rose buds. As extreme weather events seem to occur more frequently due to climate change, Aycock’s works are both terrifying and awe-inspiring.

Movement is central to Aycock’s works, as she explains: “Movement is important to me because I view things as in a constant state of transition. Nothing stays solid as far as I am concerned… My fascination with wind, cloud formation, smoke, flow dynamics, wave theory, and interference patterns was there from the beginning. In various ways, I have circumnavigated around it throughout my career.” Her dramatic sculptures capture these invisible phenomena and seem to float in mid-air.

Hoop-La was exhibited as part of Alice Aycock's solo exhibition Turbulence and the first sculpture acquired by Princess Estelle Cultural Foundation thanks to gifts from the Patrons of PREKS. The exhibition was inaugurated 7 June 2020 by HRH Prince Daniel in a digital ceremony.