Devised and designed by Joe Robinson the project was enabled by the Soroptimist club of Enfield, who raised the necessary funding by public and private subscription. The memorial provides an organic space for the reflection, created from over thirty trees planted in the shape of a heart and a permanent steel sculpture. The latter includes the pattern of a phoenix which expresses the idea of loss and renewal, its feathers then representing flames, leaves, and people. The memorial spans over thirty meters across, sited in Enfield Town Park, at the geographic centre of the borough. The work has been warmly received by the public, many who visit the site annually.
“I just want to say thank you to all involved for this memorial. It will be so good to have a place to come and reflect. Thanks also to Joe – the art is beautiful and poignant and it’s lovely to have something like this to remind us of the horrors of losing a loved one to Covid and the lack of goodbyes we could have.” (BK)
Having created a range of public art – much of it sculpture and three-dimensional work – activity continues on everything from life-sized aircraft to bronze and sheet steel sculptures. From temporary environment art and bespoke private commissions to a mile long public sculpture trail.
Working with arts company Tiger Monkey UK Joe Robinson was lead artist on a huge multiple art form project working in Edmonton London – seen below. Work included large-scale public participation with a range of environmental sculptures and a mile long sculpture trail made with one hundred cast aluminium pieces. The finished project was described by Arts Council England as a ‘Brilliant project’.
Other work includes a variety of strange and unusual works including environmental art, public murals, hidden artworks and participatory activity. Perhaps most exciting of all public art practice is ‘Fire Sculpture‘ forming fascinating and hugely popular art works.
Below: A commission as artist in residence as part of the £10m refurbishment of the 17th Century Forty Hall. Working with local people the residency resulted in a series of large banners which are hung in the main stairway of the building.
Joe Robinson XL 