Artist Tony Phillips is seeking volunteers for his art trail, Above us only sky? Finissage
Held: Sunday 28 September 1.30pm at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church, Leece Street L1 2TR
This finissage (closing event) marks the end of a display of four plaques on the Bluecoat’s Blundell Lane exterior, part of artist Tony Phillips’ art trail, Above us only sky? The trail – between the Bluecoat and the Bombed Out Church – comprises a series of hand-painted works exploring flight, from the earliest aeroplane to today’s drones. This performance at the church celebrates the work and reveals its next phase.
The event is free, but donations are welcome to support the church (£2 suggested). No booking is required, just turn up. Bombed Out Church: slboc.com/whats-on
Outline of the event
A service or ‘sermon’ presenting readings from a ‘sacred text’, Above us Only Sky: ‘History and the Bombed Out Church.
Images from the artist’s art trail, Above us only sky? Are revealed as the service unfolds, from the first flight image to the last, each delivered with a relevant incantation, spoken verse, etc. by Tony, in the manner of a religious service. There will be other presenters including poets and audience members, invited to read a prepared line or two from the ‘sacred text’, and a musician, Roberto Biffarini, operating recorded sound.
The event is an ironic and tragic sermon on the history of man-made flight. It aims to focus on extending the life of Tony’s art trail and its amorphous nature through time. It is also intended to highlight the campaign to find a permanent site for the art trail artworks. The finissage ‘sermon’ also launches the proposal for a possible future publication.
How to be involved:
Tony is looking for anyone interested in volunteering for the following:
- a female reader for poems
- two young narrators (one of whom could be the same as the reader)
- a drinks waitress
- a drone operator
- a snare drummer
- general helpers
If interested, contact Bryan Biggs: bryan.b@thebluecoat.org.uk