Polish artist to create new work.
The Polish Expats Association (PEA) has recently commissioned artist Joanna Rajkowska to create a new public art project in Erdington, Birmingham, to be revealed in spring 2014. Rajkowska will shortly commence an artist’s residency in the area through which she will learn about the specificity of the district in order to determine what the concept and nature of the work will be. The project is estimated to reach completion in May 2014.
Rajkowska is an internationally acclaimed artist based in London achieving recognition for her public art commissions. Her most celebrated work, Greetings from Jerusalem Avenue, is the 15-meter tall artificial palm tree installed in the city centre or Warsaw which, since its instillation in 2002, has become a known landmark. More recently her work Forcing a Miracle has been displayed in London as part of Frieze Projects 2012.
Greetings from Jerusalem Avenue (c Zak-Branika, Berlin).
The project is already sparking debate across the city about what public art is and how it could affect the environment we live in. Roma Piotrowska, Art Programme Coordinator and the project’s curator at PEA states that “a good work of public art makes communities feel more connected and serves as a platform for public dialogue. It is envisaged that the project will provoke members of different communities living and working in the area to meet, discuss and participate in various activities. We hope this project will allow people from diverse backgrounds to meet and exchange views and experiences. The project aims to promote arts activities to the public and stimulate cultural exchange and community engagement”.
A seminar on public art will be organised in Erdington to coincide with the revealing of Rajkowska’s installation in the spring. Three Erdington-based workshops aimed specifically at adults will also be held to explore Rajkowska’s commission through discussion and creative activities.
The first opportunity to meet with the artist will be at the launch of her new book Where the Beast is Buried, taking place on Wednesday 29 January 2014, 6.30pm – 7.30pm at Ikon Gallery, Birmingham. The artist will be in conversation with Michaela Crimmin, an independent curator, producer and tutor at the Royal College of Art.
Updates will be provided throughout the process on www.polishexpats.org.uk and the blog www.publicarterdington.
