Banner Commission Artist Announced

Posted: 21/05/2020

In March ‘a space’ arts announced details of an Open Call for proposals from artists for a new banner commission to be installed at the rear of the Alfred Arcade on Old Northam Road in Southampton.

We then put a shortlist of four proposals to a public vote. With submissions from artists Isaac Fravashi, Natalie Dowse, Carrie Mason, and Charlot Dennis making the shortlist.

Over a thousand public votes were cast and we can now reveal that the successful submission was by Isaac Fravashi. With 467 votes the three word phrase MOVE PAST THIS proved to be the most popular.

It will be exhibited virtually behind a digital version of the Alfred Arcade from 29th May as part of Homemade Mango Chutney, after which it will be printed and installed as a fabric banner alongside the railway line that runs behind Old Northam Road.

Isaac was pleased to hear the result. ‘I was absolutely bowled over by this news yesterday, I had to gather myself! I have never put myself forward for anything like this before so to win this commission means so much. I am so grateful to be supported by the public in this way at a time when we are so cut off from one another. During isolation our sense of community has taken on a less tangible form and so to work with and receive encouragement from an invisible audience during these difficult times is both fortifying and humbling.’

Hear Isaac explaining the ideas behind the work at the launch of Homemade Mango Chutney on Friday 29th May, register for the event for free on eventbrite.