A NEW, ENORMOUS PIECE OF PUBLIC ART IS ANNOUNCED
Alex Sylt, based in Hope Mill, is the artist who has been chosen to create an artwork 215m which will be permanently on display within the Pumpyard at Printworks for all of Manchester to enjoy.
Alex, age 32, is a screen printer who is creating a stunning, intricate piece which celebrates Manchester past and present.
The piece is based on a giant architectural structure which contains symbols of Manchester including the suffragette movement, the LGBTQ+ community as well as sport and music icons.
Alex has been screen printing for over 10 years and this method of creating art has influenced his design for Printworks.
He explains: “With screen printing you have solid blocks of colour, there are no gradients or shading and this approach lends itself very well to intricate, large scale designs. I am very inspired by architecture and contrasting this with softer shapes that are found within nature.”
His design plays on perspective as it will be viewed on a corner of the building and this central corner acts as a statue which is being held up by the hands of the people of Manchester, which will represent the diversity of the city. Surrounding this column are many hidden gems and imagery to represent various groups, moments in history and the style of Manchester. A lot of this is represented by flowers and different colours. The idea is that every time someone looks at the piece, they will spot something new, and the perspective will change from the direction it’s viewed.
Alex was chosen from five shortlisted artists as the winner of the BIG art competition by a public vote and also a highly esteemed panel of judges including Norman Cook (also known as Fatboy Slim), the legendary DJ and music producer, Ben Reed, the creative director of Wild in Art (who also brought us Bee in the City), Jason Shay, Printworks centre director, Gwen Youlden, Head of Destination Marketing at Cushman & Wakefield and David Fraser, from Harrison Fraser brands specialists.
Alex said: “I researched the architecture of the area surrounding the Printworks and its history as well as looking at the city as a whole. When I submitted my original design I didn’t expect to win as the other finalists are amazing and their work is such a high standard. I’m absolutely over the moon to be chosen and can’t wait to show my friends and family my artwork on this scale. It’s not something I have done before and I hope that the public think I have done our amazing city justice with the piece.”
The artwork is one element of the refurbishment of Printworks which is currently being undertaken and, when complete, will bring to life Manchester’s soul and pride for the spirit of our city. The artwork reflects the Printworks’ core values – vitality and energy, being connected to one another, a focus on ethics, honest, trust and escape.
Jason Shay, centre director of Printworks, comments: “It was such a hard decision to choose just five artists for the shortlist so we’re very grateful to have the public’s help to choose our winner. We’re working closely with Alex over the coming months to finesse and add to his design and ensure that we have all elements of the city represented. When it is installed, it will be a striking piece which millions of people will see every year and we fully expect it to stop people in their tracks.”
Ben Reed, creative director of Wild in Art, added: “Public art is hugely important and Manchester especially is a city packed full with it. This latest piece is so personal to the city and is a true celebration of people, place and the history of Manchester.”
Alex will spend the coming months finalising his design before it is sent to print on three giant banners. These will be installed by a specialist team before it’s unveiled and ready for the public to enjoy later this year.
