May 2008
Stephanie Imbeau has won Channel 4's BIG4 public art competition. She completed a Master of Fine Arts, at Newcastle University in 2007. Her proposal is to clad the Channel 4 logo in umbrellas, which she says 'deserve to be appreciated regardless of the weather'.
'I propose covering the existing Channel 4 sculpture with a blanket of these quotidian objects. Not only would this give the umbrellas a chance to be appreciated for their aesthetic appeal, but It would have a transformative effect on the steel structure, softening it and making it almost plant-like. Art needn't be expensive or inaccessible to the average person on the street. If we were to ask for the public to donate their broken umbrellas, the cost would be very low. (Not taking into account the fixing of the umbrellas onto the sculpture, which I propose be done with an under layer of wire or plastic mesh. Also, to ensure that none blow off in strong winds, a net might be needed around the outside of the umbrellas.)
Using broken umbrellas can also be seen as the re-telling of a story, the giving of second life. Umbrellas are discarded every day and using these tossed-aside objects would give them a second chance to be significant. We're fragile creatures. We all need protection. Umbrellas are a basic and far-reaching form of protection that could be used to symbolize so much more. Umbrellas would allow anyone to form a reading on the work, as all people, regardless of class or education, are familiar with umbrellas and their uses. The Channel 4 logo has a similar familiarity level to the British public, so the combination of two instantly recognizable images would be a powerful and visually appealing installation.'
Jan Younghusband, the Commissioning Editor for Arts at Channel 4, and one of the competition judges, commented:
'We've been overwhelmed by the quality of the submissions and are delighted that the competition has engaged so many enthusiastic young artists. Channel 4 constantly seeks to discover new talent and we look forward to seeing Stephanie's fantastically original idea.'
Stephanie Imbeau's public art work will be unveiled outside Channel 4's London headquarters in August 2008.
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