Ultimate Form

Dame Jocelyn Barbara Hepworth DBE is internationally recognised as one of the most influential Modernist sculptors of the 20th century. Born in 1903 in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, a place that would become an important inspiration for her artwork. 

During her lifetime, Hepworth created hundreds of iconic abstract forms often in stone, wood, bronze, and marble. She is represented in more than 100 public collections and has commissioned public art in prominent cities around the world. Made in 1971 this piece called Ultimate Form is the final statement in a series of six sculptures titled Family of Man. However, the series consists of nine freestanding figures that represent the lifespan of a woman from her formative years to young adulthood, to parenthood, and returning to the ancestors as the ‘Ultimate Form’. In an interview Hepworth stated,  

“The Ultimate Form has the kind of serenity saying, ‘go on working – here I am’.” 

The series is reminiscent of the artist herself and was one of the last works made by Hepworth before her tragic untimely death in the accidental home-studio fire in 1975, aged 73.  

It is the first artwork acquired by Adelaide Festival Centre for its grand opening 2 June 1973 purchased through public donations. Ultimate Form was previously positioned in the sculpture garden at the main entrance. Following extensive redevelopments in 2020-23 the sculpture was relocated to this new location where it has a direct relationship to the natural surroundings. Adelaide Festival Centre is proud to own this masterpiece.