To mark the anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UDHR, world-renowned horticultural installation artist, Tony Heywood, has created a ‘human rights greenhouse’ with the thirty articles of the UDHR emblazoned on it. “I’ve given the work a ‘pop-art aesthetic in order to draw in the younger generation, but in a way that also appeals to other audiences”, says Heywood. “However, instead of containing plants, it holds two huge monolithic boulders which are precariously balanced on top of each other threatening the entire structure should they topple”.
The boulders are by the pioneering ‘stone-balancing artist’ Adrian Gray, who first came to Heywood’s attention when he mounted a ‘guerrilla, stone-balancing happening’ at London’s high-end Frieze Art Fair. Gray’s work is deeply rooted in the natural world, using weathered stones to create sculptures that embody balance and tranquility.
The work has a strong educational mission, as materials produced by the UN Office of Human Rights will be available via a QR code at the site. There will also be a video recording of actor, Miriam Margolyes, reading the entire UDHR. Chris Gunness, who’s Myanmar Accountability Project has supported the initiative says “my hope is that schools, colleges, community organisations, faith-based groups and others will visit the site, be inspired by the work and explore the very rich information pack on offer”.
This project was made possible with generous support from the Church Commissioners who made the land available, a grant from the Hyde Park Ward budget and Rhino Greenhouses who donated the greenhouse.
Press Opening on
Human Rights Day, Tuesday, 10th December 2024 at 10am
25 Porchester Place, London W2 2PH
