Locws International presents a new commission by artist duo Robert Bermingham and Richard Robinson to coincide with the Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts: the ‘British Empire Panel Project’.
Using the British Empire Panels as their inspiration, Bermingham and Robinson have transformed the entrance windows to the Brangwyn Hall into a giant kaleidoscope of light and colour, visible both inside and out, day and night, that evokes the energy and life of Sir Frank Brangwyn’s panels held within. This installation brings a new focus of attention upon the panels and by doing so reaffirms their national significance and importance.
Each of the three windows corresponds to one of the panels and by using the same colour palette as the originals, Bermingham and Robinson have created a bold design of coloured vinyl pasted directly onto the windows.
This new installation captures the essence of Brangwyn’s original concept and highlights the aspect that brought the British Empire Panels rejection from the House of Lords: his uncompromising vision of the colourful and optimistic nature of Empire. By sharing and working with Brangwyn’s ideals, Bermingham and Robinson have created a contemporary artwork using the very same strength of creative independence and determined artistic vision.
Artist, Richard Robinson said ‘The Brangwyn panels are a hidden treasure in Swansea and we hope that our artwork will encourage the public to see his work. Swansea is very privileged to have them and it has been inspiring to create a response to these magnificent panels.’
Robert Bermingham & Richard Robinson work collaboratively, forging a dynamic artistic partnership that has a growing reputation within the contemporary visual arts in Wales. Their work fuses drawing, collage, installation and sculpture in an exciting and innovative way, utilizing new ideas and techniques to create vibrant and dynamic artworks. They have exhibited across the U.K. and were shortlisted for the Jerwood Drawing Prize in 2006
Dates: Open throughout the festival, 3 – 17 October, all day, everyday.
Location: Entrance windows to the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.
Locws International works with international and Welsh contemporary artists to create new visual artworks and projects that respond to the culture and heritage of the city of Swansea. With Support from The Arts Council of Wales, The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The City & County of Swansea.
For further information contact Holly Davey, Project Manager on 01792 468979 or [email protected]
