Firstsite given go-ahead to install sculptures in its gardens

Works by artists Sarah Lucas, Ryan Gander, Julian Opie and Bharti Kher are being placed in the gardens around the gallery as part of the Sculpture at Firstsite project.

The Art Fund Museum of the Year 2021 is creating the sculpture park in Lewis Gardens as part of its ongoing celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the striking Colchester landmark.

Sculpture - The Fallow by Bharti Kher 2019

The six works include The fallow (Bharti Kher, 2019), Imagine you are driving a blue Honda (Julian Opie, 2004), Imagine you are driving a yellow car (Julian Opie, 2004), Everything is learned, I (Ryan Gander, 2010), Kevin (Sarah Lucas, 2013) and Florian (Sarah Lucas, 2013).

The exciting project will be on display from November 20 and remain in place for at least 12 months.

It will see four sculptures located on the lawn area to the north of the gallery building with two set to be installed outside the front entrance.

Art enthusiasts will be able to view the works whenever they desire as it will be open 24/7 for visitors.

As a result, a range of security measures, including CCTV, will also be installed to ensure the artwork is protected.

Firstsite director Sally Shaw explained the idea for Sculpture at Firstsite was born during lockdown when she was unable to open the doors to the building.

Art - Kevin by Sarah Lucas featured in New York in 2013

“During lockdown, outside space became so important and so we wanted to create something that enables art to be available for everyone to enjoy at any time, even when our doors are closed,” she said.

“We hope this project will help more people get up close and experience these brilliant artworks in the beautiful surroundings of our building and green spaces.

“We follow strict procedures in our building to help ensure it is as safe as possible, but we recognise some people are unable to, or don’t feel ready to enter public indoor spaces yet, so Sculpture at Firstsite means they can enjoy art in an outdoor environment and at any time of day.

“Our lawn is popular with families who like to play and picnic here, and the sculptures will provide something new they can explore and enjoy.

“It will also be a great place to wander around on a lunch break or during a shopping trip, providing a place to relax and reflect, giving locals and visitors another reason to visit and enjoy Colchester’s town centre.”

The sculptures will remain in place until planning permission expires on October 31, 2022.

Following this, they will have to be removed unless extra time for the project is sought after by Firstsite.