Art / public art
Juneau Projects’ ‘Tiny Wilderness’ public art installed at UWE’s Frenchay campus
Since 2022, Philip Duckworth and Ben Sadler’s public art organisation Juneau Projects has been engaged in a series of free events and workshops under the moniker ‘Bryophyte Club’.
Working in collaboration with UWE Bristol, local schools and community groups, the duo have been inspired by nature, particularly the vital habitats and ecosystem benefits provided by often underappreciated non-flowering plants such as mosses, lichen and liverworts.
“In the UK there are around 1100 species of bryophyte,” they say. “Bryophytes are ancient resilient plants that grow everywhere on our planet. Able to withstand extreme climates, they are one of the organisms most capable of adapting to climate change.
Submission for Tiny Wilderness – photo: Juneau Projects
“From their aquatic origins, these soft organisms now carpet the surfaces of damp woodlands, lava fields and city streets across the globe. This project is a celebration and exploration of this often overlooked, yet fascinating organism.”
Following a number of submissions made through creative workshops in clay and wax modelling, a new public art installation is now in situ at UWE Bristol’s student accommodation block at Purdown View.
Submission for Tiny Wilderness – photo: Juneau Projects
The final sculptures are made from bronze, based on the selected designs.
William Liew, UWE Bristol’s chief financial officer, is enthusiastic about the outcome. “This is an exciting public art project which we hope will provide a long-term benefit to the local community,” he says; “creatively connecting Frenchay Campus to those who live and work nearby, as well as providing a positive impact for future students who will make the new student accommodation their home in years to come.”
Mock layout of Tiny Wilderness public art installation – photo: Juneau Projects
Tiny Wilderness is installed in a garden area of the Purdown View student accommodation at UWE Bristol’s Frenchay campus.
All photos: Juneau Projects
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