Viewing Moore’s sculpture in the fields of Perry Green it is immediately apparent that there is a fundamental harmony between sculpture and landscape - an elemental bond between man and nature. This organic connection was scorned by art critics of the time such as Clement Greenberg, and set Moore apart from his contemporaries in the avant-garde, yet is increasingly recognised and appreciated today. But the relationship Moore explores between figure and landscape is not always a nurturing one. There is also a tendency to sublimate the human aspect - for the figure to be fragmented and ultimately overpowered, twisted, or even consumed by the forces of nature.

Imaginary Landscapes presents a selection of sculpture, drawings and graphics. A number of drawings from the Foundation’s collection are exhibited for the first time. Rock Formation 1979, Barren Landscape 1977, and Mountain (Reclining Woman) 1982 reveal Moore’s relatively unknown treatment of landscape. Graphics include intense black lithographs illustrating poems by W. H. Auden, as well as etchings based on the close scrutiny of an elephant skull, in which the artist discovered enigmatic landscapes and gave them captions such as ‘Desert Dunes Stretching to the Horizon’. The original elephant skull remains on display in Moore’s maquette studio.

Moore’s sublime depictions of fjords, chasms, icebergs and giant rock formations are often unsettling, while atmospheric wooded scenes derived from blots and splashes or delicate landscapes inspired by Japanese drawing reveal a more lyrical side. Through mapping the human body and fragmentation of the human form in order to resemble the cliffs and valleys of the earth, we are reminded of our own transitory presence in relation to the power and endurance of the elements.

The former grounds and studios of sculptor Henry Moore are open to the public by appointment during the annual visitor season from April to October each year. Visitors to The Henry Moore Foundation at Perry Green, Hertfordshire can see the monumental bronzes on display in the rural setting that Moore so loved, as well as exhibitions in the Sheep Field Barn gallery and Aisled Barn.

Imaginary Landscapes will tour to Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2005.