NZ323135
NZ323135
is the title of the Morton Palms sculpture, and refers to
the ordinance survey reference point for the coordinates
of the artwork. Location, history and economic progression
were all key components of the commission brief delivered
by City & Northern, and presented me with a range of
exciting possibilities for the site.
My interest in urban regeneration
and how an artwork can explore the cultural history of a
region, as well as its industrial archeology, is well documented
within my output. The machine age is of significant interest
to me, as is the notion of the figure within the context
of the machine. Mapping and human anatomy are also important
and very much part of the age we live in. To this end, I
employ the use of garment contours, tailors patterns, within
the overall form of the sculpture as a metaphor for the
human body.
This sculpture refers to past industrial
achievements of the locale, through the use of corten steel
within the lower section of the sculpture. The undulating
upper stainless steel section is representative of the present
day, changes in industry and employment. The surfaces of
the sculpture reflect the colour and activity of its surroundings,
bringing the landscape into the heart of the working community.
The competition was organised and
funded by Commissions North at Arts Council North East and
coordinated by Darlington Borough Council’s Public
Arts Officer, Wendy Scott. The commission has been made
possible through the financial support of City and Northern.
The sculpture is representative
of a unique opportunity for me to collaborate with developers
who are keen to invest in culture at the heart of a working
community, and to create the first of a series of landmark
sculptures, which reflects on the history of the site, as
well as future aspirations for the continued success of
the region.
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