ART TRIBUTE TO ALUN HODDINOTT
The essence of renowned composer Alun Hoddinott and his music
has been captured in an art installation to be sited at the
entrance of the new home of the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus
of Wales, Hoddinott Hall, also named in tribute to the composer
who died last year.
The artwork was commissioned by BBC Wales, and co-ordinated
and managed by public art consultancy Safle, with the intention
of commemorating Hoddinott’s life and work.
Artist Lubna Chowdhary won the commission with her design for
a fascinating ceramic tile work which measures five metres in
length and is based on the theme of a nocturne, a favourite
mood of Hoddinott’s.
BBC Wales Controller Menna Richards, who was part of the commissioning
panel, said the design was a striking representation of Hoddinott’s
life and work. “I think everyone who sees the artwork as
they enter Hoddinott Hall will be fascinated by the way in which
this special tribute reflects Alun Hoddinott’s life and
work,” she said.
Hoddinott himself had a deep and lasting interest in, and was
a keen collector of, modern art, so it was thought such a work
would be more fitting than a standard bust to commemorate the
composer.
Safle, whose mission is to promote, advocate, develop and implement
art in the urban and rural public realm, throughout Wales and
internationally, were delighted to co-ordinate and manage the
work in partnership with BBC Wales. Safle’s Executive Director,
Wiard Sterk said, “It has been a pleasure for Safle to
work with the accomplished ceramicist, Lubna Chowdhary and BBC
Wales on such a distinctive and interesting project. Lubna’s
artwork has an elegance and depth, which befits its location
and the memory of Alun Hoddinott. I’m sure it will be admired
by audiences entering Hoddinott Hall.”
Hoddinott enjoyed a long relationship with the Orchestra, who
will be celebrating the opening of their new home, at Cardiff’s
Wales Millennium Centre, with a series of concerts this month.
David Murray, Director for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales,
said, “It is wonderful to complete the public entrance
to BBC Hoddinott Hall with a specially commissioned artwork
inspired by Alun’s music. Lubna Chowdhary, a ceramicist
of real distinction, has concentrated on the brooding Celtic
qualities of Hoddinott’s music with a multi-layered work
of richness and depth.”
Editor’s Note
Lubna Chowdhary describes her work:
Theme: The theme of the nocturne was the inspiration for the
design as this was a favourite mood of Hoddinott’s and
this has informed the palette (of mainly blue) used in the piece.
The composition emerges from a dark shadowy background. The
palette is restrained, with low tonal contrasts but with recognisable
sequences of pattern, overlaid occasionally with flashes of
(a) richer (red) colour.
Structure: There is a strong linearity to the composition which
aims to represent an unbroken musical span. The subtle symmetry
of the piece makes reference to the palindrome structure which
was a favoured device used in many of Hoddinott’s works.
The composition consists of two distinct layers which make reference
to the distinctive characteristics of his work. A complex underlying
textural layer representing the rich orchestral tapestry of
his work is juxtaposed with an interjecting, angular, horizontal
and vertical linear structure cutting through the texture along
the length of the piece. The textural layer is composed of modular
tile containing simple geometric shapes used in various arrangements,
scales and tones to add a dimension of depth/volume.
