Ian Chamberlain
The University of the West of England
The Synthetic landscape - Architecture as the material support to history
Panel: Architecture
My paper builds on my ongoing exploration into recording man-made technologies and architectural structures within the landscape. I will discuss how my artistic practice reinterprets these structures as monuments and architectural metaphors, reflecting past and current technological achievements. Many of these structures now stand abandoned, serving as past reminders and isolated landmarks within the landscape.
The function and significance of much of my subject matter are often unknown to the wider public. I will explain how my work serves as an introduction to these locations and their histories, aiming to reignite interest and imagination about their cultural significance. I will discuss how use the interlinking processes of Drawing and Printmaking to record these locations first hand, creating a visual historical document and a legacy to the histories and activities. This will start to emphasize themes of defence, boundaries and shelter, infusing my practice with a stronger political edge and social awareness.
I will discuss two projects in particular;
1. The Atlantic Wall was a system of coastal fortifications built by Nazi Germany in World War II, 1942 - 1944 along the coast of western Europe stretching over 6000 miles.
The Atlantic wall body of work further explores themes of boundaries and frontiers, offering contemporary relevance and a symbolic connection with current social and political debates around visible and invisible barriers infusing historical narratives with present-day relevance.
2. The Sound Mirrors, Kent. The Acoustic sound mirrors were built on the south and northeast coasts of England between 1916 and 1930s and were part of Britain's national defence strategy.
The mirrors Symbolise themes of defence and surveillance, these historical structures have gained renewed significance and relevance amid rising tensions.
Ian Chamberlain’s work reinterprets manmade structures as monuments placed within the landscape, acting as architectural metaphors of past and current technological achievements. Ian has had a longstanding fascination with technology and architectural forms, these have included structures within industry, science and the military.
Ian Chamberlain has exhibited nationally and Internationally and his works are held in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London; Tate Modern, London; Bristol Museum; Royal West of England Academy, Bristol; Pallant House Gallery, Chichester; The University of Chichester collection; The Ashmolean, Oxford and Chippenham Museum.
He is Senior Lecturer in M.A Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking at The University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.