The International Slavery Museum's (ISM) Waterfront Transformation Project unveils its final pop-up installation this week.
Artist Lisa Vandy's "Dancing in Time: The Ties That Bind Us" goes on display on April 6, as part of the ISM's project to link exhibits inside the museum to visitors on Liverpool's waterfront. The exhibition runs until the end of summer.
Lisa's sculpture, which will sit on Canning Dock, was hand made by sewing sections of rope and binding the ends with twine. The rope speaks to the origins of dance in hunting rituals, carnival masquerades and spirit dancers of the African diaspora, reflecting the title "Dancing in Time."
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She said: "This is a very important project for me to work with the ISM. Slavery continues to be relevant. The legacy of cultural trauma still impacts the later generations of those who suffered the injustices of Transatlantic Slavery as an economic tool still goes on in various guises across many continents.
“Working with the team of master ropemakers has given me a new material to explore and express current themes in my practice. I’m not interested in making something inert, I want movement, and movement often implies tensions, and what better material than the rope.
“People might not appreciate how much symbolism the rope holds. Through this sculpture I also want to evoke the feeling of dance - movement. How people throughout time used dance to break free from oppressive systems”.
The Waterfront Transformation Project is connecting people outside the ISM walls to the heritage site the museum is surrounded by. It explores how slavery and its legacies still influence the world today and how different art forms transform how they connect people with this heritage.
The sculpture, about five metres tall including the base, was created at Lisa's studio in the Chatham Historic DockYard in Kent, where rope is still made in the traditional way.
Lisa continued: "I’ve arrived at this work late in my life because, despite previous careers in the creative industries I never imagined I could be an artist. If you have something to say, then let this engage you and just make stuff, it doesn’t matter which medium you use, just play and see where it takes you.
"I’m inspired by found objects, especially those relating to transport, hence my work with the model boat hulls and the model railway. I’m also inspired by engineering and how things are made.
"Mix this with a strong desire to create abstract female forms and I think that sums it up. My favourite piece of work is always the one I’m working on".
Exhibitions lead at National Museums Liverpool, Nicola Selsby-Cunningham said: "I cannot think of a more appropriate artist to take the story of historic slavery and maritime history out from our walls to the public. This is a visually striking artwork with a multi-layered story, powerful insights and perspectives on the compelling issues of our time.
"Placing this on the Canning Dock allows us to chart new ways of confronting legacies of racism and celebrate cultures of resistance and affirmation. We’re deeply grateful to Lisa and October Gallery for this wonderful opportunity to collaborate”.
For information visit International Slavery Museum HERE
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