Artist known for Kes sculpture goes international

Patrick Murphy's piece, Belonging, designed in Barnsley, has gone on display in Shanghai

An artist's series of sculptures of birds have been transported to China to go on display.

Patrick Murphy's work has been selected to be part of the Shanghai Jing'an International Sculpture Exhibition.

The Barnsley sculptor's life-size pigeons have been placed in a city street to represent how people can react automatically to groups they pre-conceived ideas about, positive or negative.

Mr Murphy is best known locally for his Kes sculpture, which stands on Hoyland Common as a tribute to the author Barry Hines.

Mr Murphy's contemporary art is on display in a number of towns and cities in the UK

He has a studio in Barnsley town centre and his work involves placing familiar objects in new contexts to explore themes of identity, place and community.

Mr Murphy, whose birds piece is called Belonging, said: "It's wonderful to be able to show my work on the global stage. I'm grateful to have had my sculptures installed in countries such as France, Canada, Belgium, the USA and now China."

Speaking about his Kes sculpture, he added: "The piece of art immortalises the moment when Billy, with unwavering focus and passion, releases Kes into the sky - a powerful symbol of freedom and escape for both of them."

The Shanghai Jing’an International Sculpture Exhibition runs until the end of December 2024.

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