We didn’t get the Ironbridge commission. I think we were a little too ambitious. But never mind, it was a good experience. I’ve never had to do a ‘pitch’ before.

Posted by Rich
Exhibition,  News,

Comments [0]

In partnership with artist and curator Trevor Pitt we’ve been shortlisted for a public art project in Ironbridge, Telford.

From our proposal:
‘Our proposal is to construct a sculpture downstream from the historic bridge that will attract and provoke visitors to consider the dynamic relationship between the bridge, the natural force of the river Severn and the 300th anniversary of the World Heritage site. Our concept is to use the architectural form of the bridge, the flow of the river and 300 ribbons attached to a series of floating objects to create a simple yet striking structural form that can be viewed by visitors from a variety of locations.

‘The initial approach consists of a slim arch spanning the river which will be sited up to 100 meters downstream from the bridge. The arch will be the same size as the arch of the bridge. 300 ribbons or strips will be attached at regular intervals to the arch. These ribbons will be a rusty orange colour - both to stand out, and refer to the oxidising nature of iron.

‘At the end of each ribbon (or groupings of ribbons) will be a floating object that has been either found in and around the river or inspired by information gathered during the research phase. These objects will then be turned into small floating sculptures during workshop sessions. The objects will be tethered in a line from one bank to the other and as the flow of the river pulls the objects downstream the ribbons will be pulled taught by the current and the form will be created. In the evening the ribbons will be illuminated by spot lights from both banks, causing them to flicker and ripple as they move.’

I present the proposal on the 5 June. Fingers crossed.

Posted by Rich
Exhibition,  News,

Comments [4]

I’ve been shortlisted for the ‘Floor Plan’ exhibition at Phoenix in Brighton.

Posted by Rich
Exhibition,  News,

Comments [0]

Exhibition news: I’ll be building a new work in Belfast in June as part of the Capitalyst Festival, run by Catalyst Arts.
I’ll be one of a small number of artists in residence for a short while, developing and building work in sites around the city centre.

Posted by Rich
Exhibition,  News,  Residency,

Comments [0]

From the Manifesto Club along with Manick Govinda of Arts Admin, The Showroom and Afterall among others.

To:  UK Parliament

The UK Home Office has introduced new bureaucratic procedures for organisations that wish to invite non-EU artists and academics to the UK. As professionals committed to the principles of internationalism and cultural exchange, we are dismayed by these new regulations - which will curb our invitations to non-EU artists and academics to visit the UK for talks, artist residencies, conferences and temporary exhibitions.

The system is costly to both the host organisation and to the visitor, and has already meant a number of cancelled exhibitions and concerts. All non-EU visitors now must apply for a visa in person, and supply biometric data, electronic fingerprint scans and a digital photograph. The Home Office’s 158-page guideline document also outlines new controls over visitors’ day-to-day activity: visitors must show that they have at least £800 pounds of personal savings, which have been held for at least three months prior to the date of their application; the host organisation must keep copies of the visitor’s passport and their UK Biometric Card, and a history of their contact details; and if the visitor does not turn up to their studio or place of work, or their whereabouts is unknown, the organisation is legally obliged to inform the UK Border Agency.

We, the undersigned, believe that these Home Office restrictions discriminate against our overseas colleagues on the grounds of their nationality and financial resources, and will be particularly detrimental to artists from developing countries, and those with low income. Such restrictions will damage the vital contribution made by global artists and scholars to cultural, intellectual and civic life in the UK.

Sincerely,

(sign here)

Posted by Rich
Art crime,  News,

Comments [0]

Escape is finished. The private view was excellent, with much art, wine, beer and conversation until the small hours. Thanks to everyone at Conjunction for a top show.

Posted by Rich
Exhibition,  News,

Comments [1]

Almost finished.

Posted by Rich
Exhibition,  News,

Comments [0]

Photos from the first full day of installing. It’s going well.

Posted by Rich
Exhibition,  News,

Comments [0]

On tuesday I go to Stoke-on-Trent to install Escape. I’m really looking forward to it.
It should be a good build. For more info about the show have a look at Conjunction 08.

Posted by Rich
Diary,  Exhibition,  News,  Travel,

Comments [0]

A dark grey look for Counterwork Autumn/Winter.

Posted by Rich
News,

Comments [0]