By ‘Murmuration’ officially unveiled in St James’ Square
Artist Annabel McCourt’s new public artwork, ‘Murmuration’, was unveiled as part of St James’ Square’s official opening on Thursday 4 November.
North East Lincolnshire Mayor Councillor David Hasthorpe revealed the display to the public which is situated on the wall outside of Wilko’s, facing St James’ Square.
‘Murmuration’ features hundreds of residents who volunteered to be photographed during lockdown as part of a community artwork.
The copper bird silhouettes were commissioned by Grimsby Creates as part of an investment of £250,000 from the £3.2 million Cultural Development Fund.
Her installation was one of two to be unveiled at the opening.
‘Come Follow Me’ is a text artwork by Adrian Riley which was completed during the Square’s regeneration.
Alongside these artworks, benches by local word artists (led by Carolyn Doyley) were installed.
Annabel McCourt said: “Hundreds of lives and stories fly and intertwine together, like a flock of birds.
“Grimsby’s story is an intricate pattern, like starlings in the sky, swooping and changing direction.”
She told North East Lincolnshire Council: “When you witness a murmuration of starlings, it defies logic and is a sight to behold.
“That’s the feeling I wanted to create here in the Square.
“With each look at Murmuration, visitors may notice something new from a friendly neighbour to dearly loved Mariner the cat.
“I had a clear vision from the very beginning of what it would look like and the materials I wanted to use.
“I wanted people to be seen and appreciated, which is why I chose to create each silhouette in copper.
“Every piece has been hand machined with each pose unique to the person it represents by local Grimsby company Blackrow Engineering.
“The artwork is inspired by fortune fish – the coloured cellulose fish that change shape in your hand to tell you your future.
“All of the silhouettes in the murmuration are shaped like a wave, like fortune fish, as we all move in life to find our own fortunes.
“It was humbling to have over 400 people from my hometown volunteer to be involved in this project, especially during lockdown.”
For more information on the artworks featured in St James’ Square, click here.
(Photo: North East Lincolnshire Council)
