At Assembly Bristol in England, Alex Chinneck showcases three striking recent sculptures, all crafted from metal. Among them are two knotted street lamps and a twisted phone booth, each a testament to his artistic vision. These new pieces complement his earlier work, a tied post box installed on Cheese Lane, which celebrates the area’s reopening as a public right of way after a lengthy 50-year closure. Visitors to the city’s waterfront can appreciate the intricate detailing that Chinneck has infused into his street sculptures, making them hyperrealistic and engaging.
The sculptures are not merely static decorations; they come alive at night, casting a warm glow that brightens the streets. Chinneck, a British sculptor known for his innovative use of metal, has also created a giant looping steel boat in Sheffield. His latest works at Assembly Bristol include the uniquely twisted phone box titled ‘Wring ring,’ which features glazed windows that follow the sculpture’s contorted form, giving them a skewed appearance. This captivating piece is prominently displayed outside Building A.
Among the two recent street lamps, one is elegantly tied like a ribbon, with its head gracefully bending down from the knot, while the other features interlaced poles, their heads still reaching for the sky as if sharing a passionate embrace. This latter sculpture, aptly named ‘First Kiss at Last Light,’ captures a moment of connection and warmth, illuminating the dark streets at night alongside its companion.
The four-meter-tall sculptures tower majestically in front of Bristol’s Floating Harbour wall, finally joining the whimsical Alphabetti Spaghetti, a knotted post box that has captured the imagination. This vibrant, fire-hydrant-inspired sculpture made its striking debut overnight in three towns and cities across the UK as part of Alex Chinneck’s temporary and multi-sited installation in 2019. Painted in a bold pillar-box red, it harmonizes beautifully with the design of his recent twisted phone box, the Assembly building crafted by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, as well as the historic cobbles of Cheese Lane.
These playful street sculptures, the brainchild of Alex Chinneck, are currently on display at the Assembly Bristol, inviting passersby to engage with their quirky charm. Each piece adds a splash of creativity to the urban landscape, transforming the area into a vibrant gallery that celebrates both art and architecture.