The HARK commission provided an opportunity to explore the historical legacy of a Suffolk town, and apply contemporary installations; juxtaposing an urban vernacular with the traditional landscape of Britain’s coastal settlement. The existent practice of spray paint and stencil, placed centrally within the bygone and venerable old-town retail frontages of Southwold, Aldeburgh and Burnham Market, made for provocatively-engaging street interventions.
The provenance of the simple, stoic angelic figure was enhanced by exploration of the local St. Edmunds Church, Southwold, and the Southwold Museum. Both provided exquisite examples of devotional artworks, either carved from local oak or painted directly onto the Chancel Screen (the North screen depicting Nine Orders of Angels).
Technically, this project also provided an opportunity to work directly onto glass, using MTN Water Based Spray Paint 300 - a high quality, low odour pigment. The installations pieces were also accompanied by a smaller ‘print’ version of fifteen hand-sprayed individual A2 artworks.
In addition, a special 'Let Us [S]pray' artwork series was created, alongside a larger single angel installation in London, and a subsequent private commission for a client in Rotterdam.
This project was commissioned and hosted by
With thanks to
Vanessa Collen, Morgan Richards and all the staff at Collen & Clare
Jo Flunder - The Southwold Museum
The Reverend Simon Pitcher
All artwork, text and images © James Straffon 2024.