Local Artist Chosen To Create Public Sculpture in Acton Gardens
Adebayo Bolaji will hold workshops to determine final design
Adébayo Bolaji
Adébayo Bolaji has been selected to create a new piece of public artwork following a design competition at Acton Gardens.
His proposals were selected by a judging panel following a commission for a sculpture which will form the centrepiece of the Central Plaza, alongside a new children’s play area that frames two phases of the development.
Mr Bolaji’s bid focuses on a sculpture in the form of a throne, with a mural displayed on the reverse which will be designed with help from the local community and the youth centre, which he used to attend.
The aim will be to incorporate seven key values about Acton Gardens and the artist will hold a series of workshops in the Acton Gardens Community Centre to develop his ideas, as well as working with those interested in the arts to create the sculpture.
Adébayo Bolaji has recently returned from a show in New York, and his work has previously been featured in the New York Times and Forbes Magazine. He says he draws inspiration from his time spent living on the South Acton estate and is looking forward to returning to the area.
He said, “This project is more than a project, for me. South Acton will always feel like home. I feel so lucky to have been selected to be a part of something that recognises just how necessary, powerful, life-changing and creative community can be. I don’t feel like I’m making this alone, I feel that all my early experiences from South Acton, the inspirational voices that contributed to any success I’ve had, have given me a clearer perspective on how to execute this moment to build something memorable”.
The piece will be the focal point of the new Central Plaza, which sits at the heart of the development and aspires to be a prominent meeting point for the community. Central Plaza forms the new primary link from Strafford Road to Avenue Park Road which will link the Acton Gardens Community Centre at the heart of the neighbourhood with the recently completed Phase 7.1 to the north.
The artwork is planned to be installed upon the completion of Phase 8.2, which is anticipated to take place in early 2024. The new sculpture builds on existing public art at Acton Gardens, which includes the ‘South Acton Tree of Life’, a mural created by local artist Carrie Reichardt working alongside community groups.
Daniel King, Managing Director, West London and Thames Valley, Countryside, said, “Following a competitive interview process with some impressive designs, we are delighted to announce that Adé Bolaji will be designing the Central Plaza public artwork, which will frame this public space and become a key focal point for the Acton Gardens community. Adé’s designs really stood out and so we are delighted to have secured an artist of his calibre to deliver an exciting new piece of public art that the local community can take pride in.”
Darren Parker, Director of Development and Regeneration at L&Q said, “We’re delighted to announce that Adé, a former resident of the South Acton estate, will design the Central Plaza public artwork. It’s important that the artwork reflects the history and experiences of people living in the area, and we look forward to seeing how the community shapes the mural that will accompany the sculpture.
“Adé’s experience and passion were evident in the amount of detail and care put into his proposals, and we are confident he will deliver something truly special to the people of Acton Gardens.”
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April 19, 2022