See Things Differently (2021), Nicola Anthony

Nicola Anthony Studios is excited to say that ‘See Things Differently’ is now on its way back to the UK to continue its journey.

‘See things differently’ is a recent artwork by Nicola Anthony, commissioned for the cultural programme of the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai (1 October 2021 - 31 March 2022). This live sculptural commission saw Nicola creating a new artwork inside the Es Devlin designed UK Pavilion over ten days in November 2021, offering visitors a front row seat to the creative process.

“The sculpture is created from suspended fragments, which form a delicate hourglass shape. I often use this shape in my sculpture to symbolise important moments and turning points. In this work it also references the tipping point which we are fast approaching with our environment, and I hope that the audience will think about sustainability, balance, and regeneration. The artwork also seeks to highlight the connection between present and future actions, and how everything is interconnected in virtuous or vicious cycles. This opportunity is meaningful for me - not only because of the honour to be selected for the UK pavilion, but also because the theme resonates powerfully with the soul of my artwork, and the reason why I chose this path.”

The sculpture is created from suspended fragments of found and recycled materials. The ‘sands of time’ within it pulsed in relation to the live global dialogue on hashtag #COP26.

The found materials have been collected from UK and Dubai beaches, with thanks to Companies For Good who helped Nicola gather ghost nets and beach refuse in Dubai. The fibre optics and control system are supplied and commissioned by Scientechnic Lighting Solutions in partnership with Fibre Pros.

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