As the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s looks towards this year’s event, Festival Director Richard Wakely today (Tuesday 6th August) announced the appointment of the Festival’s first ever “Artist in Residence”.
Internationally acclaimed Cuban-American artist Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada will work alongside volunteers and communities from all over Belfast to create a giant land-art portrait that will transform five acres of land in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter – the unveiling of which will open the Festival on 17th October.
Rodriguez-Gerada has created poignant land-art portraits all over the world and this piece represents his first land-art work in the UK or Ireland. Supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Ulster Bank, Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the European Union, the final piece will be created using materials sourced solely from the land. Entitled ‘Wish”, Rodriguez-Gerada’s portrait of an anonymous local child gazing towards the future will represent a new face for Belfast on the old face of the city and will capture the purity of a child making a wish.
Rodriquez-Gerada is excited about his UK and Ireland premiere and the opportunity to work with the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, “I create work that brings awareness to social issues and am looking forward to working with people from all over this fascinating city, from all backgrounds and beliefs. This is a project about identity, sustainability and aspirations and I believe that Belfast is one of the most interesting cities in the world in which to present such a piece.”
Rodriguez-Gerada is a founder of the New York Culture Jamming movement and an innovator in the international art scene. Since the late 90s he has been replacing the faces of cultural icons chosen by advertisers with the faces of anonymous people to question the controls imposed on public space, the role models designated and the type of events that are guarded by the collective memory. His large scale time based works avoid negative impact on the environment, challenge the conformity in contemporary art and allow for a reflection that goes beyond the completion of the piece to focus in its concept, process, and the metaphor that comes forth because of the material chosen.
Commenting on the appointment Festival Director, Richard Wakely, stated “We are truly privileged to have the opportunity to work with such an exciting and innovative contemporary artist. Jorge’s commitment as our ‘Artist in Residence’ offers the unique chance for local people to work alongside one of the world’s most influential emerging artists and be part of the creation of a world-class piece of art that speaks to the future of our society. “
Damian Smyth, Head of Drama and Literature for Arts Council of Northern Ireland commented, “To have access to an international artist of this calibre is an exciting engagement opportunity for both local artists and the wider community and really connects Belfast to world-class talent. ”
Ellvena Graham, Head of Ulster Bank Northern Ireland, “We are very excited by Jorge’s appointment and his unique land art project which brings another innovative dimension to this year’s Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s. Titanic Quarter is a symbol of Northern Ireland’s economic regeneration and it is very fitting that this vision for the future will be proudly created and displayed here.”
The 2013 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s would not be possible without the continuing support of various public and private sponsors, including Ulster Bank, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the EU and the British Council. Plus the many venues, performers and partner organisations whose commitment and passion bring the arts to life for all to enjoy.
Wish will be revealed on 17th October and run throughout Festival until 27th October and can be viewed free of charge from various specified locations within the Titanic Quarter. To get involved in this project or for more information visit www.belfastfestival.com or call 02890 971197. Or follow the project on Facebook and Twitter. #BelFest