This visual art installation in Norfolk’s newest nature reserve seeks to explore the relationship between local people and urban green spaces.
The Norwich instalment is one of three sites nationally, and features large billboards dotted through Sweet Briar Marshes to the north of the city.
The site was recently purchased by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, with the assistance of Aviva, to preserve it as a green space on the edge of the city.
While the works are available for public viewing through to Sunday, June 9, today’s artist-led walks gave the opportunity to hear from Finnish graphic novelist Tiitu Takalo, who drew some of the panels; Denzil Dean, from the Wildlife Trust; and Tim Harrison, who created the project.
The work by Takalo is the strongest of the project, reflecting conversations with local people who have used the site unofficially for years, with trust volunteers, and with those involved in the current project to enhance and secure the site for the future.
Her multi-image panels tell brief stories of their engagement, capturing something of the uniqueness of the site.
Zakiya McKenzie’s verse panels feel less successful, with little sense of place and their starkness making them feel done to the landscape, rather than part of it or in tune with it.
- The installation continues at Sweet Briar Marshes until June 9. Enter from the western gate off Marriot’s Way to view the pieces in the in the intended order
