Symbols of Presence is a public artwork and play sculpture created through a series of workshops in collaboration with young people from Highfield Adventure Playground.
The exhibition, presented at Yorkshire Artspace in September 2021, was a collection of film, photography and sculpture that sat together to provide a space for reflection and daydreaming.
In the workshops, we experimented with different collage techniques and diffused coloured pigments in water. By panning over the work with a macro lens we created a film that transforms these small compositions into imaginary worlds. The young people worked with sound healer; Muna Mcadie to create an ambient and etheral soundscape for their film (featured above). Together, they experimented with contact microphones and Tibetan singing bowls, that produce the rich and deep tones.
As well as the film, the central element was the circular balance beam sculpture, inspired by the Daoist practice of walking in circles as an act of meditation. Audiences were invited to walk on the beam as a grounding exercise within the exhibition.
As part of the exhibition programme, Muna Mcadie led an immersive live sound bath within the space, asking participants to carve out a space for themselves. Resonant quartz crystal singing bowls were played live as we collectively found deep relaxation, rejuvenation, introspection and rest. The results were waves of peace, heightened awareness, and relaxation of the mind and body.
Credits:
Artists - Highfield Adventure Playground Youth Club & Christopher Jarratt
Film & documentation - Peter Martin
Sound Composition - Highfield Adventure Playground Youth Club & Muna Mcadie
Funding, support & thanks:
Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Site Gallery, Yorkshire Artspace, Highfield Adventure Playground Staff.