Sculpture of isolation in artificial light

A thought-provoking work by the internationally-renowned artist Bernardí Roig goes on show in Canterbury next week.

The life-size sculpture, called Sleepless, is of an isolated man leaning against one of the walls of Canterbury Cathedral, emblazoned with 200 flourescent tubes.

It goes on display in the Chapter House on Tuesday for two weeks as part of the Canterbury Festival. Cast from polyester resin and marble dust, the total whiteness of the man’s body bathed in artificial light is designed to create a thrilling tension within the cathedral space, says Emma Braso, who is cultural programme curator for the University for the Creative Arts.

Roig’s work explores themes like human isolation, loneliness, the body’s deterioration and the limits of knowledge.

His previous projects have toured historic sites around the world including Burgos Cathedral and La Lonja de Palma de Mallorca. His latest project is a collaboration between the UCA and Canterbury Festival.

Each year, the Canterbury Festival, which runs until November 5, uses the Chapter House to provide the backdrop for contemporary art projects.