visually expressing the temporality of the spoken word.
Gijs van Bon - STRINGED
The multidisciplinary objects and art installations of Gijs van Bon are always moving between theatrical and autonomous spheres. He combines these spheres and dissolves their boundaries in order to create vigorous objects that are full of life and simultaneously consist out of a poetic and
delicate content.
About The Work
At once sculptural and textual, this installation strings together words, which in turn form sentences, which in turn flow into text. Seemingly suspended and scattered in mid-air, waves of animated light dots converge at the last moment into a narrative that passes out of sight just as soon as it arrives.
STRINGED’s lightened words leave no physical imprint but take an illuminated hold in the mind’s eye of the viewer, reminding one of the fleeting nature of spoken language.
Light Night Wigan has worked with local poets Louise Fazackerly and Natasha Tingle, with Leigh Young Writers, Global Friends and young people from the Wigan Youth Zone to create poems inspired by the theme of Surface. Local artist Zhane Olurankinse has worked with Wigan and Leigh College to create new lyrics especially for and about Wigan. STRINGED will present their work in a unique way - visually expressing the temporality of the spoken word.
In tribute to Alex Roberts
The poem Stars included in this piece was written by local young people, Ayisha Chaudry and Philippa Horrobin as tribute to Alex Roberts who sadly, in May this year, suddenly passed away.
Alex was also an amazing Mum to Lexie and Malachy and an incredible Youth Worker having been employed by Wigan Council for over 15 years.
Alex was very much seen as a star to the young people she worked with. She was committed to supporting them to reach their aspirations and advocating on their behalf to ensure the best outcomes. Mesnes Park, the venue for Light Night Wigan is one of the areas Alex would spend most of her Friday evenings professionally, engaging children and young people in the park, building relationships with them and ensuring they were safe.
Alex, our star, was a much loved and respected colleague and friend. Her presence and smile would light up any room and her sparkle will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Lexie is part of Wigan Athletic’s Premier League Changemakers female empowerment and leadership group. The group have decided to undertake a sponsored walk to raise money for the Natalie Kate Moss Trust in memory of Alex.
For more information on the trust and how to donate please click here.