Courtyard sculpture by Frank Stella, Royal Academy

The Royal Academy, London has recently unveiled a new large-scale sculpture that takes pride of place in the Annenberg Courtyard on Piccadilly.

Royal Academy installation 2015

The 7-metre tall sculpture, Inflated Star and Wooden Star (2014) by Frank Stella Hon RA is imposing to say the least. The contrasting materials of polished aluminium and natural teak wood, combined with the straight edges of the linear star and curves of the adjacent inflated star create a tension that comes to a head in this courtyard – which was itself refurbished under an astronomical theme that explains the layout of the fountains and the lighting. Attracting and repelling, these shapes play with materiality and space in a playful and innovative way.

Frank Stella artwork

Stella is one of the most esteemed living American artists, and this work epitomises how his art has evolved from wall-based paintings to large-scale freestanding installations. Influenced by abstract expressionists like Jackson Pollock, you’ll be intrigued by these minimalist shapes bouncing off each other. And with such easy access, this Frank Stella sculpture at the Royal Academy is hard to miss!