Title: Illuminating Creativity: Nathan Coley's Installation to Grace The Bowes Museum this Summer
Tags: #ArtNews, #CultureNews, #UK
In an intriguing fusion of art and nature, The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle is poised to unveil a temporary summer exhibition featuring an illuminated art installation by acclaimed Scottish artist Nathan Coley. Titled You Create What You Will, this thought-provoking piece aims to invite reflection on the transformative power of creation and the potential inherent in artistic expression. The proposal, recently submitted to Durham County Council, seeks to erect a scaffolding-style structure displaying the installation’s evocative phrase within the museum’s picturesque grounds, adjacent to the prestigious Grade I listed building.
Nathan Coley, a Turner Prize nominee whose work has been celebrated globally—including a recent exhibition in Abu Dhabi—encourages viewers to engage with the concept of creativity not merely as an artistic endeavor but as a fundamental aspect of human existence. The installation, measuring four and a half meters in height and width, is designed to be an impactful visual and intellectual anchor that draws visitors into a moment of contemplation and appreciation for the creative process.
Bryan Dunkel, the Operations Manager at The Bowes Museum, articulated the significance of placing the installation within the museum’s grounds. “The proposed location situates You Create What You Will within a natural setting, providing a complementary contrast between the architectural features of the listed building and the informality of the Grade II listed parkland,” he stated. This careful curation fosters a dialogue between the installation, the surrounding landscape, and the museum’s historical architecture, thus enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
Coley’s illuminated text, arranged over three lines and mounted on a five-meter high scaffold tower, will shine brightly 24 hours a day during its installation. By placing this artwork near a children’s play area, the museum aims to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages families to explore both the installation and the museum’s extensive offerings, making art accessible and engaging for all ages.
The timing of this exhibition is particularly poignant, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of Josephine Bowes’s birth, one of the museum’s founders. In celebration of this milestone, the museum has initiated ecological enhancements to its 22-acre grounds, including the recent establishment of a hay meadow aimed at fostering local biodiversity. Dunkel emphasized the museum’s dedication to integrating artistic creativity with environmental stewardship, stating, “As our environmental and biodiversity plans develop, so too will our public messaging, sharing ways people can help nature.”
This dual focus provides an enriching context for visitors, connecting the installation’s message of creativity with ongoing efforts to promote ecological awareness and responsibility among attendees. Part of a broader environmental and biodiversity action plan, You Create What You Will is more than a mere art piece; it embodies a vision of fostering creativity while nurturing the local ecosystem. Dunkel noted, “Coley’s illuminated text resonates deeply with the museum’s foundation and future purpose. It serves the crucial purpose of encouraging visitors to think about the new legacy they can create.”
It is important to highlight that this scaffolding structure is intended to be temporary in nature, with plans in place to ensure that no visible trace remains once the installation is dismantled and removed. This commitment to preserving the integrity of the landscape underscores the museum’s commitment to maintaining an environment conducive to not only wildlife but also to the burgeoning creative spirit it fosters.
In summary, You Create What You Will by Nathan Coley emerges as a significant addition to The Bowes Museum’s summer program, enriching the cultural landscape of Barnard Castle and serving as a poignant reminder of the power of creativity. This installation not only captivates the eye but also challenges visitors to contemplate their role in shaping a legacy through their own creative endeavors. As art continues to serve as a vehicle for reflection and dialogue, this piece underscores the idea that every individual carries the potential to contribute uniquely to our shared narrative of creation and sustainability.