In its everyday usage, the table offers a place for rest, debate, conviviality and reverie; characteristics that have led it to feature in the work of many sculptors and artists. In fact, the table seems to have been subject to an expanding range of explorations and interpretations within the realm of fine art. Examples abound, including Constantin Brancusi's symbol of peace (“Table of Silence,” 1938), Anthony Caro’s “Table Pieces” (1966-69), Judy Chicago’s emblem of equality (“The Dinner Party,” 1974-9) and Giancarlo Neri’s 30 metre high “The Writer” (2005). As these examples suggest, such explorations have a tendency to engage with the table’s socio-cultural and political connotations.
A collaborative work between Anthony Heywood and Uwe Derksen in 2011
The Table suggests metaphor and meaning. At the same time it is a physical manifestation of co-creation, art and labour. It is to be placed in areas of political and social relevance to facilitate dialogue.
Artists Anthony Heywood and Uwe Derksen made the Table between May and July 2011 with the support of the University for the Creative Arts and the people and organisations in Dover, using reclaimed timbers from derelict building sites in the town. The project was conceived by the artists over a period of about three years.
Messages from people associated with or who have contributed to the initiative have been collated and embedded in the Table, which is almost 5 tons in weight and 3.9m in diameter.
A short film was made working with the BBC during the manufacture of the work.the film explores the dialogue and asks the audince to explore what it means to be part of an audience by recognising the diversity of contexts and nature of participation. We hope that discussions will explore the dual nature of observer and participant as well as the ambiguities such as origination, co-creator and collaboration, elitist versus popular, instrument versus symbolic.
A collaborative work between Anthony Heywood and Uwe Derksen in 2011
The Table suggests metaphor and meaning. At the same time it is a physical manifestation of co-creation, art and labour. It is to be placed in areas of political and social relevance to facilitate dialogue.
Artists Anthony Heywood and Uwe Derksen made the Table between May and July 2011 with the support of the University for the Creative Arts and the people and organisations in Dover, using reclaimed timbers from derelict building sites in the town. The project was conceived by the artists over a period of about three years.
Messages from people associated with or who have contributed to the initiative have been collated and embedded in the Table, which is almost 5 tons in weight and 3.9m in diameter.
A short film was made working with the BBC during the manufacture of the work.the film explores the dialogue and asks the audince to explore what it means to be part of an audience by recognising the diversity of contexts and nature of participation. We hope that discussions will explore the dual nature of observer and participant as well as the ambiguities such as origination, co-creator and collaboration, elitist versus popular, instrument versus symbolic.
