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I Got Angry (2018-19) 

Plastic, cardboard, rubber, pvc, lurex, 3d paint, vinyl. 

 

‘I Got Angry’ otherwise affectionately known as ‘Bulb’ or ‘Bulbwin’ has been with me since that first tentative whisper of an idea, shortly after I was approached for this project back in August 2018. The project being; taking a group of marginalized women down to Westminster to be hosted by Yardley’s Labour MP, Jess Phillips as a part of the major Arts Council Collection exhibition ‘Women Power Protest’ - and would I like to be the artist for it? To which I said a robust “Hell YES!”  

 

‘I Got Angry’ is just one of the thirteen anonymous statements on this piece. It was imperative for me that I communicated the testimonies of the people involved with that day as clearly as possible, absolutely no ambiguity. This also included the visual symbolism. I wanted a metaphor people could easily latch onto and to associate illumination with the statements so generously provided. I was specific in my endeavours. I wanted to capture people’s point of no return, the place where they decided something had to stop or start, the strength they found in that moment to carry on or make a change. I wanted to freeze these ‘lightbulb moments’ in time, hence the permanence of the materials chosen and the overall texture of the surface. Playing with that seductive urge to want to touch its surface, we play with consent. The piece when unlit, is smooth and satin with a pretty pearl finish and fine golden threads nodding to an electrical and possibly dangerous element. When lit, the statements scream into the room, when they were only shadows or scars before. Bursting into this cool bright shell, almost buzzing, becoming dangerous and captivating all at the same time.  

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The exchanges I had with the women at Westminster from Shelter and The Precious Trust, those incredible testimonies from that day, were only the start for this work. It served as a powerful catalyst to so many other conversations. Just with the idea of this sculpture being formed as an illuminated blank canvas for community, private consultation continued over the course of the partnership. The form became bigger and fuller with these largely painful stories and it was important that many voices were heard, from many backgrounds, abilities and genders. Anonymity of the other statements is key in what makes this piece quietly relevant. I want anybody to be able read those testimonies and perhaps it will spark their own moment, inspiring action.  

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I've heard some incredible stories, and a lot of the time these people’s abuse and pain actually got worse when they started to change routine and take control. I am grateful for their words, grateful for the journey into past places and private, trusting moments. I hope that I was able to honor these once untold stories.