“How does a brown cow give white milk when it only eats green grass?” – a line from a popular song performed during the famous Derry pantomimes in the 1960s. Now, 50 years on, we are asking “How does a big grey building have green grass, when it only has bricks and mortar?”
Well, if you want to find out, go along to Ebrington later today when one of the most ambitious art projects bringing a new meaning to “green house” will be unveiled to the public.
Over 300 tons of clay has been used to cover the facade of the Cunningham building – located just off Ebrington Square (off Clooney Road, close to Dale’s Corner. The former military building was used to house married British soldiers.
The display, on show to October 27 next, is expected to draw thousands to Ebrington.
The project is a temporary art display by internationally renowned artists Ackroyd and Harvey and is part of the a City of Culture project by local gallery Void.
The Cunningham building was chosen for its architectural heritage, history, social and political associations.
Dan Harvey and Heather Ackroyd have been working together for the last 23 years and believe the covering of the building in grass will draw out the architectural contours of the building and become a “living process” that will eventually end in the grass dying.
Speaking to the Derry Daily at the site yesterday evening, Dan said the display would need “some TLC.”
He said: “It is going to have to be watered every day and, hopefully, with plenty of sunshine it will produce a lush covering.”
The artists have spent the last three weeks in Derry and are due to travel to Vienna for their next project.
The official opening of the display will take place at 6.00pm today. Derry Daily has learned there will not be a cow or sheep in sight.
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