An illuminated choral sculpture highlighting the 243 species on London’s priority list such as moths, birds, beetles, wildflowers, fishes and fungi has been designed by leading artist Es Devlin. Installed outside the Tate Modern opposite St Paul’s Cathedral, the large-scale artwork Come Home Again has been commissioned by jewellery brand Cartier. The public artwork aims at creating a step toward the protection of the ecosystem by drawing attention to its inhabitants. Know more on SURFACES REPORTER (SR).
The goal of the Come Home Again artwork is to create awareness by drawing close observation to the inhabitants of the ecosystem, learn their names and characteristics.
The goal of the Come Home Again artwork is to create awareness by drawing close observation to the inhabitants of the ecosystem, learn their names and characteristics. The cutout scale model is made out of recycled steel that encapsulates Devlin’s pencil drawings of London's endangered species. Arranged in an illuminated decorative cluster, the public artwork features species that are on London's priority conservation list identified by the City of London Biodiversity Action Plan. The dome, meaning a home here, invites spectators to see, hear and feel home and city that is conjoined through a web of species and cultures.
Just like the cathedral, the sculpture has tiered steps on its lower part. Instead of hymn books which are commonly found in a cathedral, the Come Home Again installation features QR codes that can be scanned by visitors to learn more about the exotic species.
The cutout scale model is made out of recycled steel that encapsulates Devlin’s pencil drawings of London's endangered species.
Devlin’s sculpture will also provide a space for London-based choral groups of the diaspora to perform each evening within the opening of Devlin’s pencil drawings model of the domed St Paul’s. They will sing the names of the many endangered species that the project references. During the daytime, the voices of the birds, bats and insects will be played for visitors.
Devlin’s sculpture will also provide a space for London-based choral groups of the diaspora to perform each evening within the opening of Devlin’s pencil drawings model of the domed St Paul’s.
The entire installation is recyclable. Upon dismantling the installation, the used steel will be melted into steel ingots for reuse. Come Home Again is open to the public till October 01, 2022 between 10am to 10pm.
Image credits: Cartier