PRESS RELEASE – THE LENKIEWICZ FOUNDATION

‘THE TALKING WALL’ – PLANS FOR THE BARBICAN MURAL

The Lenkiewicz Foundation has announced that it is in discussion with the School of Art and Design at Loughborough University regarding the possibility of a digital reconstruction of Lenkiewicz’s famous mural on The Barbican.

Anna Navas, spokesperson for The Foundation, said: “The mural clearly has a special place in the city’s cultural history and has always been a landmark on The Barbican for Plymothians and visitors alike. While he was alive, Robert had looked at different options about repainting or replacing it but the technical issues were highly problematic. We were therefore delighted to be approached by Robert Brocklehurst of Loughborough University with an idea about using the latest digital technology to reconstruct the original. It would, however, depend upon being able to access high quality images of the mural in its original condition.”

Lecturer in the Performance and Multi-Media at Loughborough University, Robert Brocklehurst is no stranger to Lenkiewicz’s work. He first encountered the artist’s work over twenty years ago when one of Lenkiewicz’s exhibitions on ‘Sexual Behaviour’ had run into trouble with the local authorities. He says, “Recently I returned to Plymouth as a pilgrimage to visit his studio and view The Barbican Mural: ‘The Influence of Jewish Thought on Elizabethan Culture 1520–1620.’ This time I was truly shocked, for his studio was empty and the mural faded, battened and peeling in the sun. Fading with this work are possibly some of Lenkiewicz’s most important ideas on worlds past and present, on relationships between art, science, literature and religion in society. I wondered whether this seminal work was going to be saved? Contact with The Lenkiewicz Foundation revealed many ideas about doing so, including Lenkiewicz’s own, but highlighting real problems with any physical restoration. Complete removal appears necessary to stabilize the surface before any restoration could begin, not to mention the costs of constant upkeep once restored.”

“Therefore I proposed ‘The Talking Wall’”, Mr. Brocklehurst continued. “A digital alternative to any ‘actual’ restoration, a replica that would at the very least help preserve and regenerate the mural using current media technology. Adopting a collaborative, non-invasive approach, two artist residencies set up to photographically capture the whole in sections, initial documentation taking place at night in order to retain light, tone and colour continuity. Then drawing on studies and sketches from the Lenkiewicz archive the work would be reconstructed using specialist ‘paint and paste’ software. The project would then move into a manipulation phase where facial features within the mural would be animated, named actors employed to vocalize relevant texts from the Renaissance period. This work would draw on Lenkiewicz’ intentions for the mural utilizing texts from his extensive library archive. The final high-definition image becomes part of a 1:1 scale night screening event, an on-site computer programme activating ‘random’ conversations through hidden speakers within the wall. Both image and event would be portable enough to travel as part of any future touring exhibitions.”

Ms. Navas added, “These ideas are obviously at an early stage but they are totally dependent upon high-quality images of the mural in its heyday. We therefore appeal for anyone who may have something we may be able to use to contact us.”

In the meantime, The Foundation’s plans to open premises on The Barbican before Christmas have been stalled by yet another delay in the winding-up of the estate. Ms. Navas comments, “It is extremely frustrating, as we have been told by the Executor that the estate would be wound up this year but unfortunately it now looks like this will be delayed until in the New Year. We have a building ready with plans for an opening exhibition and have even shortlisted candidates for the post of gallery manager. The Foundation is anxious to get on with its mission of promoting Robert’s life, and needs to be allowed to go about its business as soon as possible. We are at least pleased that a feature on Robert filmed at the recent Plymouth City Museum exhibition will be broadcast on BBC2 in early December as part of Paul Martin’s ‘Flog It’ program, which will hopefully bring his work to a wider national  audience.”

17.11.2009

The Lenkiewicz Foundation:

www.lenkiewiczfoundation.org

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tel: 01752 221450

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