Triscott, N., Harwood, G., Kurtz, S. and Lastra, C. 2016. Graveyard of Lost Species - Critical Art Ensemble / YoHa. Site specific, Leigh-on-Sea marshes, Southend, Essex. Ordinance survey grid ref: TQ 82738 85478 07 Jul 2016 - 31 Dec 2018
| Creators | Triscott, N., Harwood, G., Kurtz, S. and Lastra, C. |
|---|---|
| Description | The Graveyard of Lost Species by Critical Art Ensemble and YoHa with Arts Catalyst, curated by Nicola Triscott and Claudia Lastra, is a temporary public monument, created from a local wreck, the Souvenir - a 40ft 12 ton Thames Bawley fishing boat, which was reclaimed from the estuary mud. With the names of varied "lost species" (flora, fauna, occupations, words) from the estuary laser carved onto the boat’s surface and interior, she was sailed back and installed on the Leigh marshes as a part of the local landscape. During 2015 and 2016, the artists led a set of enquiries with people in Leigh-on-Sea and Southend to gather local knowledge of and expertise about "lost species" - wildlife, marine creatures, livelihoods, fishing methods, landmarks and local dialects that once flourished in the Estuary and are now disappearing. Working with local craftsmen, the artists then laser cut the lost species into the vessel’s surface. The project is intended to act as a monument to Leigh’s past and future, as well as uncovering and highlighting local knowledge about the changing ecology, society and industry of the Thames estuary. |
| Keywords | monument, anti-monument, ecology, Thames, species, biodiversity, art, public realm art |
| Year | 2016 |
| Web address (URL) | http://www.artscatalyst.org/graveyard-lost-species |