Luke Jerram’s experimental new installation coming to Bristol's RWA art gallery

A new site-responsive public artwork from internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram to be installed at the historic RWA art gallery this summer. 

Made of 1000m of 20cm wide magenta ribbon, the fabric will take over the exterior of the Grade II* Listed RWA Art Gallery before entering a window of the building and then exploring the historic art gallery.  

Image: RWA Bristol

Luke Jerram said: “RWA were looking for an art intervention, that would help celebrate and advertise their latest exhibition inside the building. This artwork is both a simple sculptural intervention of the space outside the museum and an experimental three-dimensional drawing. It’s been great fun, developing this new experimental project with the team. We’re literally taking a line, for a walk!” 

Ren Renwick, Director, RWA said: ”Connecting with Luke to host this incredible piece of art celebrates great art from a fantastic Bristol artist and Academician.   

The RWA is all about presenting exceptional art that people can experience on their own terms. This is a joyful way to do that, while also shining a light on the RWA, a Grade II* Listed Art Gallery and one of the jewels in Bristol's cultural crown, and the fantastic programme of exhibitions throughout this summer.” 

Altering its appearance with the changing wind and weather conditions Negotiated Space will be installed at the Grade II* Listed Art Gallery from 10 June. The work will create connections between civic spaces by continuing onto neighbouring buildings that include the University of Bristol’s Beacon House. 

A large-scale experimental drawing, the artwork is a joyful response to the ‘RWA’s Summer of Textiles’ - a season of exhibitions and events that are bursting with colour, narratives and texture.  

The programme includes Soft Power: Lives told through textile art, an exhibition curated by internationally-renowned textile art pioneers, Professor Alice Kettle and Professor Lesley Millar MBE. The exhibition uses textiles as a form of portraiture: a vehicle to amplify hidden stories, challenge perceptions and celebrate shared human experiences. 

The RWA will celebrate textiles this summer through more exhibitions and one-off events: Bristol Refugee Artists Collective ‘Sharing Love’ featuring a co-created dress from Dorcas Dress Project charity (DDP), Handstiched Heritage, a showcase of the work of Royal School of Needlework’s Apprentice and Future Tutor Alumni, Summer After-Hours Event with music from Diverse Artists Network and Connecting Threads from the RWA’s artists, the Academicians.