Art’s changing spaces

Friday, 22 June 2012

CHANGING SPACES: WaterWorks manager Angie Oliva, artist Jonathan O’Dea and the Mayor Richard Sweden.

A NEW exhibition by Walthamstow artist Jonathan O’Dea was opened by Waltham Forest mayor Richard Sweden on Saturday.
Jonathan’s work, Changing Spaces, is a series of 12 three-dimensional abstract works that interact with the changing environment around the Olympic Park and its connection to the Lee Valley Regional Park.
It was opened by Mr Sweden at the WaterWorks Nature Reserve, in Leyton.
Using recycled building materials and found objects from both parks, Jonathan presents wall-mounted sculptures that explore regeneration and the natural and industrial history of the area.
His aim was to produce art that is abstract yet easily accessible.
Jonathan said: “I want people to be curious about the materials and how the artwork is constructed and to link this curiosity with the physical techniques and methods used in the regeneration of brownfield sites like the Olympic Park and the revitalising of Lee Valley Regional Park.
“This interest is partly fuelled by working on construction sites and also by fascination in the visual impact of turning something old into something new.”
The centrepiece is a four metre high sculpture, Intervention, which is constructed from a felled tree provided by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. The imposing and long term sculptural work is located beside one of the main public footpaths leading to the nearby Olympic Park.
Mr Sweden said: “The WaterWorks Nature Reserve is a fitting location for an exhibition that is grounded in our contrasting neighbourhood here in Waltham Forest. Setting is important in the appreciation of art, especially the visuals arts. I hope the exhibition is shown further afield.”
The wall-mounted artwork will be displayed until Saturday, July 8, and the larger sculpture will remain at the nature reserve.

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