A work of our times

LUKE Jerram’s In Memoriam is installed at Newbury’s Goldwell Park for the next six days.

In Memoriam was created as a place of reflection in tribute to those who lost their lives in the Covid-19 pandemic. Created from bed sheets, the artwork forms a giant red cross that pays tribute to all the NHS and care workers who have selflessly worked during the crisis. Constantly moving and creating new shadows in the weather, the flags stand together and connect us with the everchanging environment and one another, representing the resilience and solidarity of our communities as we have, and continue to, face in these unprecedented times.

Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice involves creating sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Many of his artworks are in permanent collections, including New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Wellcome Collection in London.

He also tours his art installations to festivals and museums around the world and his Museum of the Moon has been presented more than 150 times in 30 different countries, including at the Commonwealth Games in Australia, Glastonbury Festival and on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

This free outdoor installation will stand until Tuesday and may be seen from within the flags or from a distance. A newly-commissioned audio track by artists from Massive Attack and Portishead – A Moment in Time – is available to download from the Corn Exchange website for you to listen to as you explore the installation.

The project is presented by the Corn Exchange and 101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space, and Corn Exchange director Katy Griffiths says: “We are so proud to be bringing the latest work from this worldrenowned artist to Newbury and it is a fitting way to mark what people from around the globe are currently experiencing.

“This outdoor installation allows people to keep their distance, but to still share this experience with others in our community.”