The idea
Support artist Charlie Warde as he lives beneath the Westway Flyover for 7 days, re-creating the urban dislocation experienced by the protagonist of Ballard’s Concrete Island. During his stay on the “island”, Charlie will create artworks inspired by the novel and his surroundings focusing on themes of connectivity, isolation and transformation within contemporary urban life, and the ultimate taming of the environment.
In 1973 JG Ballard wrote a story about a man on his way home from work whose car careers of the newly built Westway Flyover, an epic concrete motorway raised above the houses and buildings divided either side. He crashes down into an undeveloped site becoming stranded, a modern urban Robinson Crusoe. With meagre supplies and bizarre encounters he exerts his will over the confines of his dominion in a transgressive and transformative act of self-discovery.
What we'll deliver
- Construct large-scale performance/installation visible to the public from 8th - 15th June (part of InTransit Festival)
- Fund display of exhibition by group of artists from Kindred Studios
- Make safe the site from previous defunct installation
- Materials for 30 meter mural (one of the installation artworks)
- The exhibition will be open to the public on 15th June
- Transportation of materials for immersive sculpture installation
- Provide food and support for artist Charlie Warde's week long internment on the "Island"
Why it's a great idea
Charlie will create artworks inspired by the novel and his surroundings, raising the profile of an important piece of local cultural heritage which is still relevant today.
There will be the possibility to sign up for workshops leading up to the exhibition including a creative writing courses.
The project will transform the site from its current dangerous state, aiding its progress towards a safe environment for development by the grounds staff of Kensington & Chelsea.
Steps to get it done
- Construct Hoarding
- Install Portacabin
- Make Site (Bay 20) SAFE
We are offering “Help” in return for yours. Those who support this project will receive a special edition artwork by Charlie Warde entitled “Help”. A donation of £25 will be exchanged for a limited edition numbered A5 print (one of 150). For £50, a signed and numbered A4 print will be provided (one of 150).
You can also sign up for workshops leading up to the exhibition including a creative writing courses…..
