Stonehenge on tour – Jeremy Deller's 'Sacrilege' arrived at Whitstable Biennale
Date uploaded: August 29, 2012
Stonehenge on tour – 'Sacrilege' by Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller arrived at Whitstable Biennale today as part of 2012 celebrations.
Sacrilege, the life-sized inflatable replica of Stonehenge for people to bounce on by Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller, is coming to Whitstable Biennale 2012 today as part of a tour that will see it travel to over 30 locations across the country.
A co-commission between Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art and the Mayor of London, the work was enormously popular when, supported by Creative Scotland, it appeared in Glasgow earlier this year. With support from Arts Council England it is now travelling around the country as part of the nationwide London 2012 Festival.
Deller's Sacrilege is aimed at people of all ages and its appearance in Whitstable is expected to attract a lot of local interest, adding to the excitement of the country hosting the 2012 Games. It is also a light-hearted way for people to think about one of the UK's most iconic historic monuments.
Jeremy Deller said: 'A lot of my work deals with history, and Sacrilege is no exception, this is a way to get reacquainted with ancient Britain with your shoes off.'
Sue Jones, Director, Whitstable Biennale 2012 said: ‘Jeremy Deller is one of the UK’s most important artists and Whitstable Biennale is delighted that Sacrilege is coming to Whitstable for the 2012 Biennale.’
Ruth Mackenzie, Director, London2012 Festival, said: 'Jeremy Deller’s life-sized inflatable replica of Stonehenge embodies many of the values of the London 2012 Festival – it is a once in lifetime event, it is a remarkable piece of art by a world renowned artist, and it is free for everyone to enjoy. With thanks to Arts Council England and the Mayor’s office this work will travel around the UK and London, popping up to delight London 2012 Festival audiences throughout the summer.'
As Sacrilege moves across the country the growing tribe of followers is being encouraged to 'offer their images to the gods' by uploading photos of themselves on the installation onto Flickr to create gigantic on-line clan. To check opening times and local weather conditions for each venue, members of the public should follow Sacrilege on Twitter to receive updates direct from the heavens @Sacrilege2012.
'Bouncers' are being encouraged to download free ‘Druid Beards’ from the Sacrilege website – www.sacrilege2012.co.uk colour them in and arrive in druid fancy dress.
Alan Davey, Chief Executive, Arts Council England said: 'Deller’s playful and irreverent work is bound to capture the hearts, minds and inner-child of people across the country, and I’m delighted the Arts Council has been able to help make this fun-filled tour happen. Sacrilege pleasing the crowds once more marks the start of a summer that I hope will be remembered as much for the excitement of its cultural experiences as for its sporting victories.'
In London, Sacrilege is being presented by the Mayor of London and the London 2012 Festival as part of Surprises, which sees new work suddenly appearing at different locations.
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