Art / troopers hill
Art project reconnects people to places they can longer access
An art project which looks to focus on connection to places and spaces has a unique twist.
The project is called I would be here if I could and it will be touring across Bristol to locations that have a special significance for individuals sufferings from life limiting ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) and Long Covid.
Places that they can no longer visit because of their conditions.
The vessel for the project is the ‘Mirrorbox,’ an interactive sculpture created by Bristol-based artist Alison Larkman.
Alison had a career as successful businesswoman and international rower before her life was disrupted by ME and this project is inspired by her experience.
Alison conceived the project after she began dreaming of places she would love to visit after ME confined her to her house for many months.
She decided to ask others living with ME and Long Covid the same question and was astonished by how much it resonated.
Hundreds of people have now taken the opportunity to share their sense of love and loss for the place that matters most to them, with all the messages shared through an online map created for the project.
Inside, visitors can hear or read a powerful message from someone for whom that location is especially meaningful, and can respond with a written postcard. The two-way mirrors evoke both the presence and absence of the sender.
Living with ME, Alison said is like “I alternate between worlds” – photo: credit Sasha Snow
The message senders include Lizzy Horn whose chosen location, Troopers Hill in Bristol, will kick off the Mirrorbox journey on Sunday, June 1.
Visitors will hear Lizzy talk poignantly about the lifelong memories she has of the popular nature reserve, including the words: “You are here. Where I have laughed a thousand times with loved ones, played games of rounders and capture-the-flag, flown kites alongside my brother, mum and dad.
“So many people gather to sit, to watch, to be, where you are. And I would be here if I could.”
Alison previously had work at Ashton Court in 2022 – photo: Paul Tobia
The Mirrorbox will be travelling (weather permitting) to the following locations in Bristol in June:
- Sunday June 1: Troopers Hill – 23 Troopers Hill Rd, Bristol BS5 8BU 11am-6pm.
- Wednesday June 4: The Oak Tree at Ashton Court – Ashton Court Estate (Clifton Lodge Entrance), Abbots Leigh Road, Long Ashton, Bristol BS8 3TX 11am-6pm
Main photo: I would be here if I could
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