AXEL - THE BOLERO SQUARE SCULPTURE,
ICE ARENA, NOTTINGHAM
The Sculpture responds to the multi - functional concept of the arena,
the
building design, the square and its surroundings. Bolero Square has a strongly
horizontal emphasis. The sculpture is a tall counterbalance to this and
has
adequate space around it to stand out against existing vertical structures.
Freestanding, it has a scale comparable with the Arena’s central structure.
Height and elegance combine to create a striking symbol for the Arena that
does not over dominate its context. The sculpture’s height, form and
tonality
contrast defi nitively with other materials in the square presenting a bold,
dramatic and striking landmark like Eros at Piccadilly or the Sky Mirror
at
Nottingham Playhouse.
The materials used give distinct identity to the sculpture but combine
and
contrast sympathetically with those of existing structures. Materials, colour
and tone are drawn from the refl ective properties of ice, skate blades
and
patination on the ice surface. To enhance movement, artifi cial and natural
lighting are used to capture and produce changing effects throughout the
day
and night.
The sculpture adds another key point City attraction for Arena users and
City
visitors. It is immediately experienced by Arena users inside and outside
the
building, by those walking or driving by and may also be viewed at different
levels and from perspectives from Lace Market properties. Glimpses are
caught from the Bellar Gate and Stoney Street approaches and the approach
perspectives of London Road Island and Hockley.
CONCEPT, MEANING AND PUBLIC RECOGNITION
The sculpture evolved from a defi nitive aspect of skating: the turn on
the ice.
This can be in the spin of the ice dancer; the curving shifts of the hockey
player, the striding turns of the speed skater or simply the continual procession
of skating around the rink.
Also reflected is the way the body enwraps itself in movement on ice. The
ways limbs extend, fold, curve and elegantly interweave as internal and
external shapes. In turn, the surface of the sculpture refl ects the patination
of the ice as a result of impact of these physical movements on its surface.
The form of the sculpture evolves from this human movement on ice to the
abstract symbol of the blade itself on ice. Materials consolidate the way
in
which light and movement join to fully extend the sculpture’s symbolism.
The public can relate to the sculpture through form, movement and mood
created through lighting; these link with visual memories of ice sport
participants and audiences.
WOLFGANG AND HERON
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