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Memory Bridge
Leicester
2022
Germination
Performance
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Permanent Installation, Memorial
Client: Leicester Art Trust
Stage: Concept Design Design Team: Cristina Morbi, Kristina Chan, Aurora Destro, Alberto Campagnoli
Client: Leicester Art Trust
Stage: Concept Design Design Team: Cristina Morbi, Kristina Chan, Aurora Destro, Alberto Campagnoli
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Performative. Memory. Environmental. Reconstruction.
For us, this work does not represent a memorial, nor a monument. Instead, our aim is to bridge the journey itself: historically, generationally, and visually. Inspired by Mauri’s Green Cathedral , the ephemeral ascending structures the path celebrates Leicester’s rich history.
Memory bridge is, at its core, a crossroads: between the past and future. It intersects the existing path through an escalating series of pillars. To one side, trees will be planted within them, to the other side creeper species will grow up the rebars. A staircase will bridge these pillars and allow people to walk up into the tree canopy, where it will level off into a viewing platform.
For us, this work does not represent a memorial, nor a monument. Instead, our aim is to bridge the journey itself: historically, generationally, and visually. Inspired by Mauri’s Green Cathedral , the ephemeral ascending structures the path celebrates Leicester’s rich history.
Memory bridge is, at its core, a crossroads: between the past and future. It intersects the existing path through an escalating series of pillars. To one side, trees will be planted within them, to the other side creeper species will grow up the rebars. A staircase will bridge these pillars and allow people to walk up into the tree canopy, where it will level off into a viewing platform.
This site-specific installation is precisely oriented on Belgrave Circle landscaped roundabout. Conceived to engage with people and evolve with time and seasons, it investigates the themes of memory, matter, time and performative landscape.
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Re-Constructing and recordingmemories
The form itself, the decision to use rebar, represents reconstruction and rebirth. We want to create a work that is “becoming” and “rebuilding,” symbolising the lives of those who left Uganda to rebuild their lives here in the UK. The sculpture grows, shelter and elevates their story. It evolves and involves all who pass through.
Botanical Architecture
Ginko Biloba is also referred to as “Autumn Gold” because it turns a vibrant golden yellow during autumn, coinciding with Diwali. Facing west, the platform will let people watch the sunset: a celebration of colour and the promise of a new day. The other side will descend softly into the soil, rooting and grounding us. This story is one of hardship, but also of hope. The original path, embedded with stories of the past, allow us to remember, acknowledge, and commemorate. We imprint them into the path in the same way we do our memories. In this way they do not fade. But there is an intersection too. In leaving one place, we arrive in another. Ending cannot escape beginnings. Because this is also a story of home: of leaving one and to find another. This 50th anniversary is a chance to embrace all sides of the story, celebrating Leicester’s rich history and diversity.
Re-Constructing and recordingmemories
The form itself, the decision to use rebar, represents reconstruction and rebirth. We want to create a work that is “becoming” and “rebuilding,” symbolising the lives of those who left Uganda to rebuild their lives here in the UK. The sculpture grows, shelter and elevates their story. It evolves and involves all who pass through.
Botanical Architecture
Ginko Biloba is also referred to as “Autumn Gold” because it turns a vibrant golden yellow during autumn, coinciding with Diwali. Facing west, the platform will let people watch the sunset: a celebration of colour and the promise of a new day. The other side will descend softly into the soil, rooting and grounding us. This story is one of hardship, but also of hope. The original path, embedded with stories of the past, allow us to remember, acknowledge, and commemorate. We imprint them into the path in the same way we do our memories. In this way they do not fade. But there is an intersection too. In leaving one place, we arrive in another. Ending cannot escape beginnings. Because this is also a story of home: of leaving one and to find another. This 50th anniversary is a chance to embrace all sides of the story, celebrating Leicester’s rich history and diversity.