Hasta La Ideas

Appearing as part of the Folkestone Triennial Fringe, Jonathan Wright’s Rare Love installation captures radio transmissions of love stories told by local writers and characters.

“The work celebrates the history of the area of Kent surrounding Folkestone in regard to the rich scientific and literary history that exists there, Wiright says. The six-metre-high sculpture captures radio transmissions of love stories told by local characters, such as HG Wells, Joseph Conrad, Logie Baird and William Harvey. The intention is to reinvigorate local interest in this history.”

“The whole tower works like a radio antenna,” he explains. “The letters are outlined in copper wire that works as the aerials, there are tiny transmitters that deliver sound files to the receiver in the lower part of the tower where there is a listening booth. When you are listening to the work you are aligned with a view of the sea. The signals tune in and out and are mixed in with general radio noise, the howls and squeaks of short wave radio.”

The work is supported by the Arts Council and several other sponsors. The ‘arms’ made of text, write the words ‘Rare Love’ in shadow on the floor and track across the ground like a sundial as the day progresses.

Rare Love can be found at the Harbour car park, Harbour Approach Road, Folkestone, Kent. It is up until September 25.

More on the Folkestone Triennial here

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