Client: Team London Bridge/ Network Rail
Location: London, United Kingdom
Completion date: 2017
Artwork budget: $30,000
Project Team
Public Art Agent
Sofia Alexandrache
Team London Bridge
Industry Resource
Kevan Collins
Network Rail
Artist
Jennifer Abessira
MTArt Agency
Overview
From the 15th September to the 27th September 2017, 72 bollards outside the St Thomas Street exit of London Bridge Station were wrapped with the art of Jennifer Abessira. This was a positive addition for London Bridge commuters as this project is aimed at creating a cultural impact and enhance the life and experience of the London Bridge community via art. The visual narrative integrated city archival imagery and social media from locals.
Goals
The goal was to tell a meaningful story for commuters to relate to as they use the station everyday. That is, creating a sense of attachment to the place using the visual narrative of artist Jennifer Abessira. The installation was also using the bollards, these metallic structures are implemented to protect locals and commuters from terrorist attacks but they quickly become a sad reminder of the existing social divisions of our society. By using them positively to tell a story about cultural integration, it's addressing the issue directly and with an inclusive mindset.
Process
The process involved many parties - MTArt Agency and its artist Jennifer Abessira, Network Rail, TFL, Team London Bridge and Costain Group. The difficulty, representative to a project wanting to embrace unity for the area, was to align and work collaboratively. Having done so, it was very meaningful to all come together for this. We also used a unique type of photographic vinyl to display the art, testing it in the lab and making sure that this material will be intact during the duration of the project.
Additional Information
I believe that this project is meaningful as it shows that you can use everyday elements that you disregard and enhance them with the art of artists to inspire people living and working in the area.