ROUNDABOUT
[DAVID CHECKLEY]
The first artist, who’s two-month residency at The Asylum Art Gallery commenced the ROUNDABOUT project, was David Checkley. Find out more about the artist and his work below.
2nd November 2023 - 14th January 2024| Public event and unveiling the 17th February 2024
[ ABOUT THE ARTIST ]
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David’s practice is multifaceted and includes large sculptural works and lighting design often using less conventional techniques and equipment; combining and upcycling vintage with new and evolving technologies. His experience and skills come from a background in technical theatre design along with mentoring from established artists and curators.
His work features many themes like re-examining aspects of play and the unexpected, investigative works on mental illness, the psychology behind audience interaction and perceptions of audience space, and the impact of socio-political and environmental issues.
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[ ROUNDABOUT ]
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David proposes to create a space in the Chapel Ash underpass where performers and the public participate to form an experience.
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The work will be interdisciplinary and use a mixture of traditional sculptural materials, such as cut steel sheets, attached to lamp posts like sails or awnings which will create projected wayfaring and highlight other works in the space. The idea is to be simple, bolt on, easy to modify, resilient and accessible, providing a focal point for meeting and performance.
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Other sculptural pieces will also sit back from the exits of the subways in the underpass, in the central circle, to form a monolithic structure, that projects a lit gallery space of changeable areas and panels, allowing the spaces to fulfil their new creative requirements.
[ LIGHT ] 17 February 2024, 5-7pm
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Our first event in the Chapel Ash underpass, LIGHT, took place in February 2024. It saw us showcase the work of David Checkley and celebrate with live performances of music, poetry, spoken word and drumming by artists from the West Midlands.
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Inspired by Checkley's work, the event was themed around light, journeys, and finding our way and visitors had the chance to talk to Checkley about his work and ask questions to Project Manager Hannah and Community Board Members.
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Despite the rain, LIGHT had a great turnout; warmed by the performances of local artists responding to ROUNDABOUT.
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