ReImagine Wrexham - part 1

Steffan Jones-Hughs, Wrexham Council Arts Officer, contacted me a few weeks back and asked me to become involved in a project called 'ReImagine Wrexham', at the Oriel Gallery, Wrexham.  'ReImagine Wrexham' was an interactive Arts Exhibiton, lead by Artist Michael Jones, in collaboration with the team at the new initiative THIS Project.

The purpose of THIS Project is to increase the profile of all the arts and culture that is happening in the area .
 THIS Project Leader David Gray said: “The arts are so important and can be a real driver for economic success and give people pride and confidence in where they live, and Wrexham has a lot to be proud of when it comes to art and culture." (Taken from THIS SITE . )

Michael had created a 'skyline' of  buildings that are 'features' of Wrexham town, around 3 walls of the gallery, and over the time period from 11th of June to the 11th of July, other artists and members of the public came into the Oriel and added their own artwork to the basic outline . In addition, there was an area where the public could express their views on what they wanted to see happening in - and with - the town, by way of 'post it notes', which they then stuck onto a large area of wall reserved for the purpose.

Steffan wanted me to go along, make a photographic record of the artwork as it evolved and changed, and document the event and the interaction of  those who came in and took part.

This is the skyline that Michael created around the walls of the Oriel.

At the time that Steffan contacted me, the exhibition had been running a few days, and already, the origional skyline had evolved and changed  . . .

All sorts of arts materials were provided, and were free to use by anyone coming in - people were just told to add what they wanted.

Some of the additions were very funny - for example, King Kong was now perched at the top of the Catholic Cathedrals' steeple, swiping at a passing plane . . .

. . . And one of the statues of the Miners, in Wrexham town Centre, had been transformed into Cheryl Cole, wearing a Superman suit!

It was absolutely fascinating to look at what had been done - people had used paints, pencils, crayons, felt tips, pictures torn from magazines and books, stickers - they had painted with sponges and brushes and even their fingers.  Some of the art work was, as I said, funny - and some was beautiful, and creative and even thought provoking . . .

The section where post it notes had been used by participants, to make comments and add views, was also incredibly interesting.

Large sheets of paper had been placed on the walls, asking questions, and responses were either written under the questions, or stuck all around the surrounding area on the posts it notes . . .

A lot of interesting responses too . . .

Aside from the art work and the writing to document, catching my eye were a small film crew, and the people who were just wandering in to take part.

Mikey (Michael Jones) being interviewed - the film was being made in collaboration with AVOW, and like the exhibition itself, it was all about finding out about peoples views on Wrexham, and what could be done to give people more of a voice.

Beth spoke to me quite openly, and said she didn't mind being included in this blog - she is homeless, and she presented me with a perspective that I hadn't considered before . She spoke about how much she appreciates art galleries and museums - as a homeless person, she spends much of her days with nowhere to just 'hang out' - having access to places like galleries means a lot to her - not just for shelter, but because she feels she learns from them, and enjoys what they have to offer.

From the very young upwards, every person I spoke to praised this exhibition .

Over the next 2 -3 weeks, I re-visited the Oriel, to continue documenting the changing art, and try to capture images of all those who were taking part.

Wrexham Pony Man joined the artwork

My daughter also joined in

According to my daughter, and her new friend, there is a combined Pirate/Viking burial ground under Eagles Meadow !

The 'Post it Notes', towards the end of the exhibition

There was a distinct feeling of 'Harry Potter' about Wrexham, too . . .

. . . as you can see !

This was an incredibly enjoyable and interesting event to be part of - it was clear that every person who had attended had really enjoyed it, and many said they would really love to see more interactive events like this .  I was sorry to see it coming to an end - though I was delighted when Mikey suggested that I attend a live Music event, which would mark the end of the interactive aspect of the exhibition :)