'Moving'
Painted steel, rope
4.5 x 2.8 x 1m

Commissioned and installed at The Bull, 68 High Street, Barnet. Herts.

In 1999 The Bull arts centre in Barnet decided to use some of the money from an Arts Council funding scheme to commission a public artwork for the building. The project, to highlight their status as a contemporary and progressive arts venue, has recently been completed and the permanent sculpture 'Moving' was unveiled last month.
Since the arrival of the railway, Barnet has continually expanded and now sits on the edge of London - connected by the Northern Line straight to the country's capital. After consulting local people and current users of the centre, it is apparent that the borough has its own identity of which it is very proud and sees itself as quite separate from the hustle of the city. So on one side Barnet looks down upon London and from the other, across open land to the North. Many people have commented on how satisfying it is to be in such close proximity to both of these elements.
'Moving' therefore draws inspiration from the reality that London has inevitably, through urban sprawl, met the borders of Barnet and yet there is still a need to squeeze more into the remaining space. It also comments on the architecture symmetry of the listed building, which is spoilt by the offset position of its first floor middle window. With limited space with which to work the piece was forced to be wall mounted but it was obvious that the areas on top of the porches could be also be used and one of these became the plinth for a figurative sculpture.
An androgynous silver figure now lies on top of the right hand porch, pulling on a length of rope attached to a red grapple hook that is hooked around the corner of the middle window. The rope is taught and it seems as though the figure is attempting to right the architectural awkwardness of the building.
I like to set up absurd narratives and scenarios and use humour to invite the viewer not to have to question the motive for creating a contemporary artwork. It is important to me that the ordinary audience benefit from any sculptural addition to their environment whilst also respecting the status of the professional artist involved, allowing them to use their creative talents.
Stemming from my personal battle with spinal arthritis I deliberately use the stick figure because I feel that the human body is over-complicated and that the essential parts of it are all that is needed to describe movement, feeling and weight.
The title 'Moving' is also a reference to The Bull's future since a new venue is currently under construction near-by.

October 2001
Adam Reynolds