THE DAM PROJECT
I had a fleeting glimpse of the Douro Valley Dams, HydroElectric Power Station,whilst exhibiting work in Oporto, Portugal during 1996. This created such an impact on me that I immediately wanted to learn more. These magnificent structures were built during the 1940's and appeared to reflect many of the concerns present in my work. These dams in particular would provide the basis for producing a work. During 1999 I researched the numerous large dams of Northern Portugal and decided upon threein the region of Miranda de Douro on the border of Spain, Miranda, Bemposta and Picote. These dams were of particular interest because they are the oldest and are arch dams that are more aesthetically pleasing. The owners Companhia Portuguesa De Producao,De Electricidade, S.A. to provided privileged access to the dams accompanied by engineers, in order obtain photographic documentary evidence. I believe, in view of imminent changesplanned to the dams, this project was most welcome. The photographs provide a rich source of material and potentially could be shown in their own right. This research will also be combined in collaboration with architects to producecomputer-generated visuals. The computer visuals will be used as 'templates' initially for me to respond to and which will finally be 'edited' to produce abstract images that relate to the sculpture, thus allowing technology to create a dialogue between the real and conceptual. This research would form the basis for a new body of work exploring interaction between sculpture and the audience when informed by two-dimensional images either technical or gestural. |
