|
Middlesbrough's
newest piece of public art is Spectra-txt, a sculpture by Peter
Freeman.
You
may have spotted its shining silver form at the pedestrianised junction
of Linthorpe and Newport Road.
 |
| Peter
Freeman with Spectra-txt |
Middlesbrough
Borough Council say the sculpture symbolises their "continued
regeneration investment into a region proud of its cultural and
industrial heritage".
Spectra-txt
is 10 metres high and weighs a hefty two tonnes, and like many of
the Boro's recent public art works, incorporates a light show.
And
this is the clever bit: the steel tower has been designed to change
colour when sent one of six special text message commands.
|
Interact
with Spectra-txt by texting one of the following commands
to this number:
|
| 07919
00 00 77 |
|
blue
|
starvibe |
xxx |
| pearl |
boro |
chromapop |
| (The
text message charge will depend on the sender's phone tariff.) |
The
colour can be determined from anywhere on the planet, linking Middlesbrough
with, among other places, Tahitit - from where a special text message
was sent as part of the opening ceremony.
Peter
Freeman took his inspiration from Captain Cook’s scientific
visit to Tahiti and the futuristic neon visions of blockbuster sci-fi
epic Blade Runner directed by Sir Ridley Scott, who was inspired
by the industrial landscape of Middlesbrough.
"Spectra-txt
will act as Middlesbrough's very own Axis Mundi, playing a pivotal
role in the town's daily existence," he said.
"Residents
and visitors to the area will be able to see the lighting display
from key vantage points in the town, from the railway station to
the retail precincts."
View a gallery
of photos of Spectra-txt.
Have
your say...
ashley jasper
Actually the bottle contains a passage from captain Cook's jornal so it does tie in with with the town.
Alan S
Yup, i'd say the bottle has brought something to the place, if only being a shared refrence point of people in the town. I agree with you about the tower but think the bottle is great. There's a difference, the bottle looks like an impressive, psychedelically inspired peice of art placed in a spot where there are often music and cultural events, whereas the tower is meant to be a functioning, interactive piece of art.
|
