More than 1,300 unique ceramic figures, each made by a different person, are on display in SEED’s pop-up shop in Angel Place, Bridgwater.
Inspired by artist Antony Gormley, the figures were created at a series of workshops run by Artist, Bridget Hemmings, to represent the creators own individuality and their community.
Bridgwater Mayor, Councillor Jacqui Solomon who opened the exhibition said:
“This popup shop was created in response to people saying there was a need for more opportunities to be creative, and to encounter the arts on the high street, a need for something to be created that truly reflects the people of Bridgwater today, and a desire to recreate spaces in the town centre where people can meet and connect.
“As a partner in the Bridgwater Town Deal, Bridgwater Town Council are pleased to be a part of the funding support that has made this project possible, along with Hinkley Point C Community Fund, Magnox, the Fairfield Trust, and the generous support of Angel Place shopping centre.
“The workshops have been a remarkable way for people to express themselves and connect with the community around them”
Councillor Irena Hubble, Bridgwater Town Council spokesperson for Culture, Heritage and the Arts said
“SEED have worked hard to find the space in the town centre and with an option to stay for a year, it’s an excellent way of promoting their creative initiatives and bringing more opportunities for people to experience art in the town centre. Today, the first exhibition of creative individuality fills the space.
“The artist, Bridget Hemmings, has been able to display the terracotta figurines she helped local people to make over the last year. It’s Sedgemoor’s very own Terracotta Army, multiplying in size due to the mirror effect on the displays. The work of all age groups is on show – from children to pensioners proving that creativity is in all of us. Whether it’s way of displaying our fears, our hopes or just what we feel in the moment. There will be more workshops with Bridget over the coming months. Congratulations to all the SEED team for getting the shop open today and setting out their stall in the heart of Bridgwater.”
The figures will be displayed until 17 September 2024, when the installation will go on tour across Somerset.
For more information visit https://seedsedgemoor.com/
