Art / News
New installation celebrates ‘gently chaotic and fascinating’ ponds
Giant lily pads, beetle benches, a walk-in snail and games created in artist Alex Lucas’ signature style now make for a whimsical installation at Quakers Friars.
Once A Pond A Time, which opened to the public on Wednesday, is inspired by Lucas’ love for the humble ponds, combining giant sculptures, interactive artwork, magical creatures and even a live mural painting by Alex herself.
Talking about her new artwork, she explained: “There’s something gently chaotic and completely fascinating about ponds.
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Alex continued: “They’re microcosms of life and mystery.
“I wanted to bring that sense of discovery, humour and beauty to the heart of Bristol – and invite people to play.”
The installation will be a summer-long celebration of Quakers Friars before a major redevelopment in the area begins.
Sarah Tinsley, director of marketing and placemaking at Hammerson, the firm behind Cabot Circus, said: “Once A Pond A Time is our way of celebrating everything that makes Bristol brilliant.
“This collaboration with renowned local artist Alex Lucas is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for us.
“The goal? A creative, welcoming hub for the whole Bristol community. Watch this space!”
The Bristol-based artist formerly painted Uncertain World, a mural on the corner of Woodland Road and Park Row, that shows what the world would like if the amount of greenhouse gases doubled.
Main photo: Rob Browne
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