A PUBLIC ART PROJECT BY MARK TITCHNER With young people from Hull New artworks that explore young people s responses to the question, WHAT IS IT THAT YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE? 25 MARCH TO 31 DECEMBER 2017 HULL CENTRAL LIBRARY Albion Street HU1 3TF
What I want more than anything else is a project by London-based artist Mark Titchner, involving individuals aged 13-25 from across Burnley, Wigan and Hull. In 2016, he delivered a series of workshops in each location during which he posed the question, what is it that you want more than anything else? Responses varied from the deeply personal, to everyday wants and global concerns. Having accumulated a mass of materials from the whole experience, the artist decided to work with the young people s handwriting, creating personal artworks for each particular site. Hull Central library is the first to host the project, followed by new artworks developed for Wigan and Burnley. Varying in size and form, ten artworks represent the voices of the people involved from Hull six females, aged 13-16. Using the young people s handwritten responses to the question, the artworks consist of a large-scale banner, a vibrant mural, hidden bookmarks, three videos and a flag located on the top of the library building, together with three sound works, that will be placed in and around Hull Central Library. What I want more than anything else explores language, inner voices and young people s immediate desires. The use of their handwriting is extremely significant: not only does it unify the artworks, but also signifies the pure, unfiltered voices of each individual, where honest responses to the question have been expressed. Placing their unique voices so visibly in the public realm prompts discussion, comparison or agreement with the young people s disparate and forceful opinions. The words I want are central to the artworks, as a powerful declaration of the self. We do not specifically know who the I is, that is speaking, which raises interesting questions: Who does this voice belong to? How do these words make me feel? Who is making this demand and why? I want is specifically the inversion of what is unspoken in all advertising that essentially tells us what to consume with you want or you need. So rather than focusing on what we don t want or need in our lives, the artworks emphasises empathy and identifies things that we actually do want and the possibility of change. Opposite page: Annabel, 2017. Hull Central Library. Banner, digital print on PVC; 800cm x 200cm.
In Hull, What I want more than anything else by Mark Titchner is a public art project involving, Annabel Heath, Mina Lawton, Betty Loades, Alice Sanchez, Sally Sanchez and Eden Sedman. Mark Titchner is a London-based artist who works with a wide range of mediums, including sculpture, video, music, sound, performance, murals and large-scale print. Focusing on an exploration of words and language, in recent years much of his production has been based in the public realm. His practice explores systems of belief, both secular and spiritual, often focusing on the marginalised, discredited or forgotten ideologies and objects we place our faith in. By the use of impersonal language of the public realm, ranging from the corporate mission statements to the maxims of revolutionary socialism, his work exhorts the viewer to believe in it. In 2006, Mark Titchner was nominated for the Turner prize and his work was showcased in the Venice Biennale at the Ukraine Pavilion. He is represented by Vilma Gold, London and Aeroplastics, Brussels. marktitchner.com Images (left to right): 1) Team from Hull, Sally, Mina, Mark, Alice, Betty, Eden & Annabel. 2) Eden & Annabel. 3 & 4) Eden. 5, 7, 9 & 10) Mark Titchner. 6) Eden & Mark. 8) Roane & Mina. 9) Debbie, Roane, Jakub & Mark. 10) Eden, 2017. Hull Central Library. Mural. 600cm x 200cm.
LIST OF ARTWORKS BY MARK TITCHNER OUTSIDE Hull Central Library Annabel, 2017 Banner, digital print on PVC; 800cm x 200cm I want there to be world peace so everyone in the world can be friends and everyone s family to live a long happy life is an innocent yet confident message from Annabel Heath (aged 14). Positioned on the exterior of the library building, this 8 by 2 metre, black and white statement will attract the attention of passers by and demand viewers to take notice. Another way to consider this artwork is to think of it as a peace monument - something of extraordinary size and power, offering a possible future to come. OMG! I am so happy and excited and proud to have my wish shown to everyone. It might make people think about what is important to them in their own lives. They may not know why this banner is there and may ask questions, but I hope it makes make them happy, as it s a positive quote. Using my handwriting makes it honest and real. It s my writing, but I only know that. The world is full of negative actions and stories. I want a happy positive world to grow up in for myself and everyone else. I want people to know that children and young people (like me) see what is going on in the world today and that we notice things too. Words by Annabel Heath, aged 14 from Cottingham. Mina, 2017 Flag, digital print on polyester; 240cm x 150cm A flag disclosing the very personal and powerful texts, I want my dad back, and Also not to worry about anything, will fly above Hull Central Library. These incredibly honest words from Mina Lawton (aged 15) are in solid white, set against a contrasting background of floral patterns in Mina s favourite colour, teal. This artwork encourages compassion and a greater understanding of the complex realities with which humans are faced. It acts as a bold reminder that we are not alone in our experiences of grief and loss. Oh my goodness, I love the flag! I feel very pleased and proud of it. The design feels personal and special, as it is more like something I would have picked or made myself. Teal is my favorite colour and the pattern is pretty and works brilliantly it is just so me. Mina Lawton, aged 15 from Driffield. Mina, 2017. Flag INSIDE Hull Central Library Eden, 2017 Mural. 600cm x 200cm I want equality for all is the response of Eden Sedman (aged 16) who strongly believes in fairness and human equality, and hopes this message will make people genuinely consider their thoughts and actions towards each other. Painted by Mark Titchner and young people from Hull (Eden, Annabel and Roane Evespaul), large decorative handwriting is placed over a red, green and blue (RGB) background to create a vibrant artwork with an intense optical effect. Deliberately placed against the neutral interior, it covers a six by two metre wall area inside the main lending library. I really hope people will read this mural and consider their own thoughts and actions towards each other. I ll be happy if they take something meaningful away from it. With all the political upheaval and controversy at the moment, as well as the awfulness going on in less fortunate parts of the world, it s important that people are going to read these words. I hope people stop to think about the refugee on the streets of Paris or the busker that sits every day in town or the gay couple who walk past you or the woman with the headscarf on the train; we are all the same, but with different stories. Some people get easily annoyed when equality issues are brought up. It s important to remember how privileged we are in the UK and for people not to turn a blind eye on countries that have arranged marriages, severe racism, no education for girls, no equal marriage rights or no laws to protect women. Words by Eden Sedman, aged 16 from Driffield.
Young person Mina Lawton, aged 15 with the flag Mina, 2017 at Hull Central Library.
Betty, 2017. Video Betty, 2017 2 Videos. 8:16mins Located in the entrance foyer and Teenager s Space of the library, a type-based video sequence contains the statement, I want no more guns in the world by Betty Loades (aged 13). On a continuous loop, each word magnifies and advances towards the viewer, designed to feel like self-hypnosis or auto-suggestive mind control. The text is layered over film footage of library books being torn to pieces and dropped from a balcony. Ripped pages fall and rise from the ground as text rhythmically repeats this anti-violence mantra. It is a great idea to have our messages on display around the library, because it shows the world our ideas and things we would like to happen. The colours in the video and the torn pages in the background especially appeal to me, because it reminds me of the sound workshop, where we had lots of fun. I love the fact that Mark has used my handwriting, because it makes everyone s work unique to them and it shows people that we are all different and have different views on things. I know my response won t ever happen, but I think it s important for me to at least have my say in telling people what I think needs changing. Words by Betty Loades, aged 13 from Hull.
Alice, 2017. Bookmarks Alice, 2017 Bookmarks. 5.2cm x 14.8cm Over 2000 bookmarks with the words, I would like to go and study volcanoes by Alice Sanchez (aged 14) will be concealed inside library books throughout Hull. The reference to learning seems entirely appropriate as a hidden message as spaces to study disappear from our society, given the recent cuts on educational policy, tuition and the huge library closures across the UK. These small, subtle artworks invite people to search or accidentally discover them, where the art can be taken away and into new spaces. Bookmarks will be hidden across twelve libraries in Hull: Hull Central Library; Freedom Centre Library; Holderness Road Library; Ings Library; Longhill Library; Waudby Library; Greenwood Avenue Library; Bransholme Library; Avenues Library; Fred Moore Library; Gipsyville Library and Western Library. Cool! I really like the idea of the bookmarks. I feel strange and can t believe that something I wrote is going to be turned into art, but it s a good feeling. I like how the colours represent what I want, which is to study volcanoes. I expect people will react in lots of different ways, like: Huh! What s this? or Ooh, a bookmark! Different reactions will be a good thing. I didn t even notice that Mark has used my handwriting! It gives the artwork character and the writing shows parts of the person who wrote it. I love volcanoes, because they are beautiful, powerful, and remind me that humans aren t the most powerful things on Earth. Volcanoes are everywhere. They are deadly and beautiful. I love them, because they have shaped the Earth. I love them, because they are on other planets in the universe, and even on one of Saturn s moons. They used to be on Mars as well, but now they are all extinct. Words by Alice Sanchez, aged 14 from Hornsea.
Sally, 2017 Video. 2:57mins A dreamlike film, made to feel as if one is flying through the clouds, towards the sun in search of a new destiny, is presented on a gigantic screen. Animated texts by Sally Sanchez (aged 13) appear as if being written in the sky. I want to go back to Mexico with my Mum and family from England to see my best friend, cousin and Mexican family again are layered over a soft palette of hazy translucent colours. Whilst expressing the simple desire to see one s loved one, it s difficult not to see this work in relation to the current political climate around migration and in particular the proposed North American/Mexican border wall. I feel nervous and anxious about my words being on show in the library, but I m interested to see what it will look like on a big screen. I don t think people are going to be bothered when they read it, but I may be wrong. For me, my words are art and they are important to me. The clouds and colours are beautiful and I love the way Mark has made the video. If it is ever going to happen (going back to Mexico), I ll be going back when I m 18. And I ll probably be going alone; so this wish is merely wishful thinking, but it s a nice wish. Words by Sally Sanchez, aged 13 from Hornsea.
Sound works Three audio artworks depicting sounds you would not usually associate within a public library add a sensory quality to the exhibition. Subtle and slightly unsettling sounds of tearing of book pages, slamming of books and running footsteps will be heard hourly, in unexpected locations. The artworks interrogate library etiquette and what is socially accepted norms within communal spaces. Ripping, 2017 Audio work 1:55mins [Located at the rear of the main lending library]. Slamming, 2017 Audio work 1:49mins [Located at the front of the main lending library]. Slamming, 2017 Audio work 1:42mins [Located by the stairs leading to the James Reckitt Reading Room]. Mark Titchner and the young people spent a day in the James Reckitt Reading Room making sound recordings in response to the surrounding space and the following sounds were collated: reading out loud the book titles that were on the archive shelves; ripping out pages from old, unwanted library books; dropping books on the ground from great heights; scoping up piles of ripped out pages & propelling them into the air; removing and replacing books onto the shelves and dropping torn book pages from a balcony & letting them fall to the ground. Images from the sound workshop held in the James Reckitt Reading Room (left to right): 1 & 2) Mina slamming closed a book. 3) Annabel, Betty, Mina & Mark slamming books closed.. 4) Annabel, Betty and Mina dropping torn book pages from a balcony. 5, 6 & 7) Annabel, Betty, Mina, Mark Titchner & librarian Matt Soare ripping out pages, scoping them up & propelling them into the air. 8 & 9) Annabel, Betty, Mina, Mark Titchner & librarian Matt Soare running up and down the traditional, concrete staircase leading to the James Reckitt Reading Room.
Images (left to right): 1) Alice Sanchez with Mark Titchner painting her banner, I would like to go and study volcanoes, Artlink, 2016. 2) Alice Sanchez with Mark Titchner painting her banner, Artlink, 2016. A series of workshops took place in Hull where the young people had the chance to make art. Exploring Your Town gave them the opportunity to create an alternative map of the city based on places of personal interest; learn about public art; go on a city walking tour based on their own experiences and create a giant collage. Art in the Everyday involved learning about public art and responding to the question: What is it that you want more than anything else? where their answers were transformed into T-shirts and badges. Your Answer To The Question was a messy, hands-on day making banners, using paints, fabrics, stencils and letterpress printing blocks. Public Artworks for Hull involved the young people deciding on their answer to the question and creating self-portraits, text-based portraits and sound art.
Sally Sanchez and Alice Sanchez holding up the banner, I would like to go and study volcanoes, Artlink, 2016.
Images (left to right): 1 & 3) Charlotte Atkinson, aged 13 and Annabel Heath working on their banner, Why fit in when you were born to stand out, Artlink, 2016. 2) Annabel Heath, Charlotte Atkinson, Mina Lawton and Sally Sanchez working on their banners, Artlink, 2016.
Images (left to right): 1, 2 & 3) Mina Lawton and Sally Sanchez working on their banner, I want to go back to Mexico and The here is home, Artlink, 2016.
Images (left to right): 1, 2 & 3) Betty Loades painting her banner, I want no more guns in the world, Artlink, 2016. Images (on next page): Panoramic views of inside Hull Central Library with Mark Titchner & the young people painting the mural and wooden placards, 2017.
A project partnership with: Networked Narrative uses art and technology to empower and inspire young people, working in libraries and communities across the North. During 2015-2016, we invited individuals, aged 13-25 from Burnley, Wigan and Hull to participate with artists and a range of professionals to inspire and influence the decisions involving two art commissions for both online and public spaces. For our public art commission, Mark Titchner was selected by a panel of ten young people to create What I want more than anything else, a series of artworks that explored young people s responses to the question. In 2015, Re-Dock were selected by a panel of four young people for our online art commission to create a text adventure game called Northern Powerhouse: Last Towns Standing and accompanying exhibition, Northern Powerhouse 2065 that toured to libraries across the North of England. This four-year project (2014-2017) has been made possible with the generous support of public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England. #WhatIwant fact.co.uk/networkednarrative Net_Narrative Networked-Narrative net_narrative Page 4: Eden, 2017. Mural Artworks Mark Titchner Photography Simon Webb Brochure Design: Luciane Pisani