A NEW art exhibition at Reading University has been labelled a pile of rubbish.
The sculpture, made from recycled waste materials, will be installed as part of a wider public art project.
Artist duo Ben Cain and Tina Gverovic have been awarded a commission of £40,000 to create a sculpture for the university.
They have taken their inspiration from its history, research interests and communities.
The colourful concrete sculpture called Metamorphic Station, will incorporate waste materials like glass and other objects generated on campus.
It will be located in the new library quad on the Whiteknights campus and provide a multifunctional space for students and staff.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, University of Reading Vice-Chancellor, said: “This sculpture is in keeping with our commitment to provide new and creative ways for our University community to connect socially and academically.
“The use of recycled materials will be visible evidence of our mission to reduce our carbon footprint as an institution.
“The sculpture also represents the value we place on arts and humanities at Reading. The artistic piece will act as a melting pot between different disciplines and colleagues across the University.”
The sculpture is the first of a number of art installations planned for the University’s campuses in a £200,000 public art project. The project aims to enhance public spaces and communities on campus and build relationships with visitors through commissioning bespoke art pieces across campus. These are funded by a 1% levy on all major capital spend, creating a Public Art Endowment, ensuring more artwork can be commissioned in future.
The sculpture is planned to be installed by spring next year.
