A SERIES of public art installations celebrating Inverclyde’s past, present and future have been unveiled along Greenock Waterfront.
The three pieces, titled Creative Conversations II, have been installed along a commonly used walking, wheeling and cycling route following the waterfront, with support from charity Sustrans and Inverclyde Council.
Creative Conversations II along the National Cycle Network Route 75 has been created by local artists Tragic O’Hara, Jason Orr and Alan Potter.
Orr’s piece Yardmen represents the past, featuring 12-inch tall figurines of workers from the shipbuilding industry.
Potter’s Ebb & Flow is a seating installation based on kelp and sealife, and includes a statue of a famous local seal at the centre.
The seating, made from oak, porcelain and pebble mosaic, also depicts mackerel, salmon, wrasse, flounder and crab.
Finally O’Hara’s Mechanical Animals features a warning for the future, amid fears of the impact of the climate and biodiversity crises on wildlife.
The jellyfish sculptures, made from steel and Perspex, imagine a world where humans must invent robotic versions of species which no longer exist.
Sustrans Scotland’s network engagement manager Cosmo Blake commented: “By partnering with Inverclyde Council, RIG Arts, Tragic O’Hara and local groups on this exciting project, we wanted to empower the community to put their own stamp on the waterfront area, reflecting Greenock’s rich history and heritage.
“All three artworks have created exciting new points of interest along this well-used connection on National Cycle Network Route 75.
“And we hope they inspire many more people across Inverclyde to explore the area in a sustainable and active way.”
Jim Clocherty, depute leader of Inverclyde Council, welcomed the “vibrant and thought-provoking artworks”.
“Fresh from the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, elements of the artwork are very timely in raising awareness of the environmental emergency we are currently in, while encouraging people to do one of the many things that can help reduce harmful greenhouse gases; engage with active travel,” he said.
“The artworks are also a nod to our rich, shipbuilding history.
“Celebrating one of our greatest assets, the river, right on the banks of the Clyde itself and adding a splash of colour to this beautiful section of the National Cycle Network will only encourage more people to Discover Inverclyde.”
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