Output details

ARCS (Large scale stainless steel sculpture)

ARCS is a seven-part stainless steel installation sculpture, integrated into Changchun High Tech Development Park. The Science and Engineering dynamic of the Park, which is one of the first group of national high-tech industrial development zones being developed in China, emphasises pioneering new industries as part of a Government led economic growth strategy. The sculpture was made in answer to this outline strategy by designing a landmark artwork that related to historical concepts of Trade & Industry. The concept is visualised in a series of cantilevered arcs that reference navigational instruments used historically to plot and navigate trade passages throughout the globe. Research focused on how to deploy iconic features, based on cultural prerequisites of a “place” to stimulate cross-cultural dialogue; selection of imagery sought to bridge language divides through the use of imagery common to the Eastern and Western cultures.

¶ The ARCS project extends research concerning the integration of public art into the built environment, specifically here in the context of industrial enterprise and local regeneration. A significant feature was the different levels of collaboration required in the process: as part of a governmental commitment to establish an international cultural profile, it develops the exchange of cultural values; with the locale, liaison with local craftsmen to develop large-scale constructions, using traditional welding and manufacturing skills, transcribed from small-scale models, drawings, and digital information.

¶ The project was selected from a global submission of 2600 artists.

Dissemination includes: lecture / dual language publication ‘Public Art-Public Space’ in SCULPTURING BRILLIANCE; participation in 12th Changchun Sculpture Symposium and NanDaiHe International Conference & Exhibition; UK representative for a touring exhibition, organized by Qu Art (Belgium) to eight museums in China

Award: National Academy of Sculpture; Honorary Fellowship Beijing Academy of Sculpture; invitation as International Panel Member Nanjing Youth Olympics 2014.