The colour and the light

As we’ve imagined on behalf of Thomas Attwood

The colour of the trees around me have changed – but not because of autumn!

Along with the regular greens, browns and yellows of this time of year, I am also now aware of white, blue and even red colours coming through the trees.

All of this is thanks to an event called PoliNations, a multi-media experiential art installation in both Victoria and Chamberlain squares. It all certainly looks very enticing, and I am sure it will bring even more people into the centre of the city. If that is the intended desire, then I wholeheartedly approve!

The PoliNations literature says it: “…invites you to step into a city-centre forest garden of magical proportions where you will be welcomed by an epic array of colour and nature.

Giant architectural tree sculptures in the garden created in Victoria Square by Poli-Nations.

“Giant architectural trees drink rainwater as the forest garden plays host to a vibrant and spectacular array of free events situated in an oasis of thousands of plants and flowers co-planted by the city’s residents.”

The description continues: “This super-natural wonderland uncovers the origin stories of the plants we all know so well, in a celebration of colour, beauty, and natural diversity. This is Pride, Carnival and Holi combined in one brilliant, messy, playful all-day-all-night party where everyone’s invited.”

Goodness, it sounds very busy, doesn’t it? But what a wonderful use of our lovely public squares. PoliNations is bringing a huge amount of green space and lots of different species of plants and trees into the heart of the city.

It also shows how the representation of things is just as important as the things themselves. How we build cities is just as much about the stories we tell about them as the actual built environment. Anything that helps us grow from the ground up and keeps us connected to the natural world we inhabit is all good in my book.

We all need to learn more about the natural world and keep its protection at the front of our minds and whether we live in a city or the countryside.

 

Thomas Attwood statue in Chamberlain Square, Paradise Birmingham.

For me, the great thing about having more family friendly activities in our squares, is the company I hope I may get as a result.

It’s easy to get used to seeing thousands of people drop by every day and when that stops it can leave you feeling – well, a little lost basically. Since the fun of the Commonwealth Games I’ve missed the crowds. So, anything that continues to bring people into Chamberlain Square is always going to go down well with me.

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