new public artwork sees building covered in gold-leaf...and graffiti

OK (Untitled Action) is a new public work created entirely during lockdown

a four-storey building has been completely covered in gold-leaf for a major piece of ‘lockdown’ public art.

the building - in the coastal town of Folkestone in the southeast of England - has been transformed by the Mexican artist Stefan Brüggeman, who has also spray painted the word ‘OK’ in giant letters across every floor. it has been created entirely during the UK coronavirus lockdown, and is a response to the current unprecedented situation. it was made by teaming up with the construction industry, which has government permission to remain operational.

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gold-leaf is historically used for artworks with a spiritual or economic power - think of the frames in London’s National Gallery - but here it used to dazzling effect on a huge scale. the ornate associations of gold-leaf are shattered with the graffiti-like slogan. but why the phrase ‘OK’? Brüggemann explains: “There is inherent uncertainty in the word ‘OK’ and seeing it in this context subverts our expectations – is it a symbol of acceptance or resignation or even hope?” he adds that he’s “deliberately left this installation very open to interpretation.”

the work is in good company. it sits in the Creative Quarter of Folkestone, a town which is the somewhat unlikely home of dozens of permanent public art works by some of the world’s biggest artists, including Antony Gormley, Cornelia Parker, Lubaina Himid, Michael Craig-Martin and Tracey Emin. many of them were originally commissioned for the 3-yearly Folkestone Triennial, the largest exhibition of newly commissioned work presented in the UK. unfortunately, the 2020 edition due to begin in September, has been postponed until next year….because of you know what.

still, this work should keep art-lovers in the town ticking over. but for those outside who are worried you’ll miss it because of the rules still forbidding unnecessary travel, it’s OK: it will be there for the next three years so there’ll be plenty of time to visit. hopefully.

i reviewed the Folkestone Triennial 2017 for museeum.com. read it here

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