(nominated by Jeremy Hunt)
Working with drawings from children, Ron Haselden created three large scale neon works for the Liverpool Biennial 2006.
'Over recent years I have worked with a variety of light sculptures made directly from drawings by young children. They have been exhibited in many locations including the Fete des Lumieres in Lyon, France, Lisbon in Portugal, Canary Wharf in London and the City of Gloucester.' (Ron Haselden, 2006)
'Animal' is a series of three large-scale neon light-works by Ron Haselden, entitled 'Polar Bear', 'Camel' and 'Cat' installed in neighbourhood locations in Liverpool.
The works were inspired by children's line drawings with the designs generated through schools workshops led by local artist, Samantha Jones. Year 1 pupils created images of animals, either imaginary or realistic, with three of these Animal drawings transformed and enlarged into freestanding, glowing lines in neon-coloured light that faithfully describe the original paths drawn by the childrens hands.
As a finale to Liverpool Biennial 2006 they were switched on simultaneously on 17 November 2006 by pupils from each of the participating schools and will be lit throughout the winter months. The locations were Community 7 HQ in Kensington, Rotunda College in Kirkdale and Slaughterhouse Gallery in Garston.
'Animal' is an International+ project developed with the Liverpool Biennial Network through Renae Belton, Liverpool Biennial's Community Relations Co-ordinator for the Learning and Inclusion programme. It is the first in a series of Winter Lights Projects leading up to 2008. Initiated in 2005 the Liverpool Biennial Network was formed with the aim of creating, through collaborative programming, a presence in the city centre for the communities of the outer neighbourhoods, and a presence for the Biennial in the neighbourhoods beyond the city centre. Network members comprise Rotunda College, Kirkdale, Metal, Kensington and Garston Cultural Village. The network is based on an understanding, appreciation and practice of visual art and design (including design of the built environment) in the community.
Participating schools:
Kensington: Phoenix Primary School, Birchfield Road, Liverpool L7 9LY
Garston: Gilmour Infants School, Southbank Road, Garston, Liverpool, L19 9AR
Kirkdale: Hope Valley Community Primary School, Walton Breck Road, Liverpool, L5 0PA
Ron Haselden's website
Biography
Samantha Jones' website
Liverpool Biennial website
Domo Baal Gallery
