A collaborative performance with Julian woodcock

The work comprised of myself slowly pushing a wheelbarrow along a section of the Thames Path at Thamesmead, London. The wheelbarrow contained thirty cast white earthenware ceramic bird forms. The sound of birdsong was broadcast via a bluetooth speaker throughout. This took place over three stages.

During stage one we walked downstream along the Thames Path stopping every ten paces. Where I ritualistically handed a ceramic bird to Julian Woodcock. He then carefully placed each bord form on the grass verge. This action was repeated until changing direction at a pre-determined point.

During stage two we walked back upstream. Again pausing every ten paces. Julian collecting and passing birds over to me. On receiving a bird I gently kissed it and held up to the sky with both arms outstretched. After ten seconds each bird was returned to the barrow. This continued till all the birds were collected.

The final stage involved both of us walking downstream along the path before entering the compound  of a former  golf driving range, the temporary site for Winter Sculpture Park 2025. Here Julian passed me the birds one by one which I placed in a circle on the grass. We stood in a silent vigil for several minutes once the circle was complete. Before ending the live action.

The idea was to encode a kind of underground act of rescue and eco salvation amidst a backdrop of urban neglect. We were dressed in white chemical suits to encode a forensic aesthetic. We also wore hats to compliment these as a reference to Stanley Kubrick's ' A Clockwork Orange' 1971 Film, shot on location at Thamesmead.

The total duration was 45 minutes.

Curated by Megan Stuart & Kieran Idle: Gallery No.32

as part of Winter Sculpture Park 2025.