julian rowe
julian rowe
visual artist
visual artist
...atlantis
Atlantis
2008. Site specific installation, Crypt Gallery, Seaford
Installation: resin, calico, jute, steel, plastic buckets, water
Paintings:
wood, acrylic, woodstain, resin and found materials
Despite its ecclesiastical appearance, the Crypt
at Seaford was originally a merchant’s warehouse. The solidity and quality of its construction is evidence of the merchant’s wealth.
At the time it was built, in the 13th century, Seaford was a major port. English wool was exported across the Channel, and the ships
returned with French wine. It is thought that the vine leaf decoration in the Crypt makes reference to this trade. The merchant ship
of the time was the cog, a simple, robust vessel rigged with a single square sail and built for capacity rather than speed. Thousands
of them plied the coasts of medieval Europe. The image of these little ships voyaging to and fro reminded me of WH Auden’s poem Atlantis,
describing a journey that can never be completed, a sentiment familiar perhaps both to mariners and artists. The poem has become the
seminal text for the installation.
“…Pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many, when,
with such pleasure, with such joy
you will enter ports seen
for the first time...”
from: CP Cavafy, Ithaca, 1911
“… if, perhaps
Having actually got
To the last col, you collapse
With all Atlantis shining
Below you yet you cannot
Descend, you should
still be proud
Even to have been allowed
Just to peep at Atlantis
In a poetic vision:
Give thanks and lie down in peace,
Having seen
your salvation…”
from: WH Auden, Atlantis, 1941
