Or — Steve Messam

Or

Or -

‘Or’ is a large scale temporary installation on the lawn of Lowther Castle Garden. Over 500 textile flags dyed in the golden yellow of the Lowther coat of arms create a mass of colour on a monumental scale. The title ‘Or’ is taken from the old heraldic name for gold and synonymous with the history of Lowther. The flags measure 2.5m long and 1.5m high fly from simple aluminium poles at a height of between 4m and 5m. The variation in height adds to the visual mass of the piece, while a subtle variation in colour in the flags creates texture. The piece measures around 320m x 45m, creating a piece of a scale rarely seen and over 5 times the size of the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern in London.

The volume of flags is an arresting sight to visitors and forms a centrepiece of colour at a time of year when there is little other colour within the garden. The movement of the flags in the wind adds to the experience of being with the piece and the play of light across the piece ensures that no two moments are ever the same.

The flags are made from recycled polyester - typically made from recycled drinks bottles. The poles are plain aluminium. This reduces the weight for carrying around the site and is an easy to recycle material after the exhibition. The fabric will be repurposed and reused after the event so that no materials go to waste as a result of the installation.