Event to challenge how life is...

8:58am Friday 16th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A CONTROVERSIAL new event at Tatton Park promises to challenge visitors' perceptions of the historic landscape.

Tatton Park Biennial 2008 features contemporary art including solar-powered walking ferns, a dome-like structure made from Tatton's felled trees and a solid gold orchid.

"It's about challenging what people are used to," said press officer Eleanor Pownall.

"There's nothing traditional in terms of paintings."

Thirty artists from all over the world were commissioned to create an exhibit inspired by Tatton Park's landscape.

The result is a range of unusual structures dotted around the grounds which include a kitchen god' who will grow a gown of fruit and vegetables as the season progresses.

There is also a greenhouse containing weeds which will produce a sound effect of smashing glass every hour.

Ms Pownall said the event would attract younger people but was unsure how the more traditionally-minded visitors would react.

"It will hopefully introduce more urbanised visitors to Tatton Park," she said.

One of the most popular attractions is a dome-like structure made from felled trees and punctuated by tiny windows which send beams of light streaming down inside.

"The idea is during weekdays there will be a guardian who will make tea and serve it to people in the dome," said Ms Pownall. "It's a point of meditation."

Tatton Park Biennial 2008 is the brainchild of general manager Brendan Flanagan.

Exhibits, workshops and performances will continue until September.