Sculpture Unveiling and Talk with Artist Keith Wilson and Penelope Curtis

Formal unveiling by Penelope Curtis (Director, Tate Britain) of a new sculpture commission for Beech Grove Plaza, Sign for Art (Stelae 2014), by Keith Wilson.

Sculpture unveiling and drinks reception at Beech Grove Plaza at 2pm. 'Sculpture Outdoors' talk by Dr. Curtis and Wilson to follow, in Centenary Gallery (Parkinson Building).

Free, all welcome. Booking essential as places are limited.

Sign for Art (Stelae 2014):

After leaving the Slade in the late 1980s, Keith Wilson worked for a year with deaf-blind adults as art instructor. Drawing two spaced fingertips in a wave motion across the forehead of a student, a tactile ‘brainwave’ sign announced the arrival of the artist, the subject of art, and the imminent activity of making art. This modification of the British Sign Language sign struck home, and stayed with Keith. He says: “The sign seemed to contain Art’s three basic frames, but mainly because it seemed to directly communicate art’s truest form. It seemed to be itself an artwork.”

The sculpture is made of black polyurethane elastomer – giving a dramatic, rippled effect to its surface.

The proximity of the sculpture and the newly refurbished Beech Grove Plaza to the refurbished Social Sciences building means this area of campus is now much more welcoming and accessible, providing a space where people can meet, relax or simply pass through and enjoy.

Image (c) The Artist