Counterwork

27.05.09

Ironbridge Shortlist

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.