Commissioned to produce an art installation for the Forum Trust for their Family History event was both an interesting and sensitive challenge. The installation was to act as a structure for the collection and display of unidentified family portraits, brought in by the public and to be a quiet and reflective centrepiece.
It was important to appreciate the significance of these photos of nameless individuals, possibly left unidentified for years, contributed by Norfolk families and displayed in a public participatory event.
The installation took shape as a group of 7 columns. Each with a surface lattice design that reflected tree like formation suitably and subtly referencing ‘family tree’.
The group elevated on a platform, and positioned in a close formation act as a place of reflection. The public invited to add their lost family photos to the structures with the columns lighting up as the installation grows.
The structures were designed as an abstraction of a tree, linking to the idea of family connections and the more literal idea of a family tree. Each lattice was unique, at varying heights mounted to a custom base that lit them from within, revealing shadows of intricate forms in the exhibition space.
Richard Fair, Events & Technology Manager at The Forum said: “This is going be a fascinating exhibition. I love looking at old photographs and searching for clues to try and establish more information about the people and their location. I can’t wait to see what visitors bring in to add to our memorial.”
The exhibition is presented by The Forum in partnership with Let’s Talk magazine, Age UK Norwich and the Norfolk Heritage Centre at the Millennium Library.
The exhibition is presented by The Forum in partnership with Let’s Talk magazine, Age UK Norwich and the Norfolk Heritage Centre at the Millennium Library.
