Michael Dan Archer is based in Lincolnshire but exhibits widely in the UK and around the World. In recent years he has made sculpture and exhibited his work in the USA, Japan, S.Korea, Sweden, Germany and Italy. He works predominantly in the field of public art making large scale sculptures for local authorities, architects and industry for public sites. These have included an 8.5 metre high obelisk in granite for Cardiff Bay, a 4.5 metre high gateway form in marble for Ashridge management school, a 20 ton gateway in granite and cast iron for Chesterfield.

This exhibition in the sublime surroundings of Lincoln Cathedral is an opportunity to see a large group of Archers work made over the past ten years. The work ranges form large sculptures in stone to small experimental works such as the Distant Cities series in bronze.

Archer’s sculptures are not copies of the human figure. He seeks to make new images and objects that have not existed in the world before. Often these include references to familiar things such as crucibles or gateways but these are new and thought provoking versions which have enigmatic functions or act as a metaphor for ideas which Archer is interested in. Many of the works in stone deal with aspects of landscape, by dealing directly with landscape, using fragments of real landscape for example naturally riven slabs of quarry face which retain their wild qualities.

Archers interest in transformation as a basic part of life comes form his restless life and frequent travel. As a child his parents moved frequently, he attended 13 schools and has since then has travelled widely including a long period in Japan.

Gateways while acting as a physical zone of change from one place to another also stand as a metaphor for psychological change from one state to another. Similarly the crucible is a zone of transformation. Ancient Shamen ground herbs in crucibles to make magic, the alchemists used the crucible in their attempts to change lead into gold, a metaphor for the transfiguration of the soul.

Lincoln Cathedral has been a focus for worship for over 900 years and is a centre of excellence for art, conservation, music and architecture.

The Cathedral is open every day until 8pm in the summer and 6pm in the winter.

For further information contact the Communications Office 01522 544544 or visit www.lincolncathedral.com

This exhibition has been supported by Lincoln City Council