Watched
‘Watched’ is a series of works that fill the remains of three concrete bunkers - part of the German WWII ‘Atlantic Wall’ fortifications, and transforms them very temporarily into artworks or follies in the landscape - as architectural anomalies.
'Watched' explores the history and purpose of these buildings. Designed to be looked out from and observe the outside. Watched can also refer to the preserved status of these historical artefacts in the landscape. A reminder of the past, they are now looked after and to some extent preserved for future generations. In their temporary guise as landmark follies they demand attention and to be seen on a different level. To watch can be both caring and sinister.
‘Watched #1’ sits within a type 58c machine gun post on the beach at Vigsø. The collection of concrete bunkers were originally built into the sand dunes and protected the land from any invasion from the sea. However, the strong winds from the North Atlantic have shifted the sands and moved the coastline so that most of the bunkers now lie at sea.
‘Watched #2’ transforms a former Observation post with a commanding view of the sea and now part of the preserved collection of bunkers at the Bunker Museum.
‘Watched #3’ is the largest piece and explodes from a derelict heavy gun battery to the west of the town. Here the bunkers are set within the extensive sand dunes at the edge of the Thy National Park.
See also:
Title:
Watched
Date - month / year:
May 2019
Location:
Hanstholm, Jutland, Denmark
Dimensions: length, width, height (metres)
Variable
Materials:
Rip-stop Nylon, fans
Client:
Hanstholm Artspace
Fabrication:
Steve Messam Studio
Prints / Publications:
Artscape