A 'Slice' of Liverpool | juxtaposing building to people


The Sculptor Richard Wilson's installation in Liverpool takes by surprise every passer by!
Richard Wilson is regarded as one of the most influential artist/sculptor of the 21st century. English born, he initially trained as a graphic designer but half way through his degree his switched to a Fine Art degree as he realised he was a ‘maker’. After completion of his academic studies, Wilson returned to London and set base in Butlers Wharf till the early 80’s.

Richard Wilson has always been interested in the relationship between architectural spaces and the changes that can be applied to them, either by people’s interaction, or by the maker or by the manipulation of perception.
One of his most famous pieces, that brought him to be recognized worldwide, is 20:50, which is now permanently exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery in London.

Link: Saatchi Gallery
Article: Building Design

More recently Wilson has collaborated with the Engineer Price & Mayers to ‘slice’ the façade of a vacant building in Liverpool, as part of various art installations for Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008.

The façade of this decadent building has been sliced forming an oval shape which slowly turns 360 degrees inside-out.

While out in Liverpool with family, few months ago now, we walked pass the building and were struck by the view of the façade balancing and hovering over our heads for few seconds. The façade performs a full revolution in 60seconds

Knowing of the substantial supporting structure built for this installation, I was expecting loud mechanical noises confirming the presence of Wilson’s work but I was surprised by the absolute silence of this, with the only distinctive background noise of the seagulls coming from and to the sea.

If you have a chance to visit Liverpool, do go and have a look before the building will be knocked down.







Comments Add Comments

double takes
Posted by Sherry DeGhelder on 2/16/2008 6:37:00 PM

I am looking at the pictures and doing double takes. I could imagine some car accidents happening when this is open.

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