With Remembrance Day around the corner, I’m inspired to share an art instillation I discovered on my most recent trip to England. While wandering the streets of London in August, I noticed a crowd gathered around the Tower of London. They looked more pensive than the usual passersby and their eyes were fixated on something at the base of the iconic fortress. Curious (as always), I walked closer to see what they were all staring at so solemnly. And there it was: a sea of poppies. Thousands upon thousands of carefully placed ceramic flowers encircled the historic tower…
Unveiled on August 5th, Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red is a powerful visual commemoration for each British and Colonial fatality during the First World War. Brilliantly dreamt up by ceramic artist Paul Cummins, the 16-acre installation wouldn’t be possible without a team of over 16, 000 volunteers who’ve helped install the poppies. By November 11th, they will have planted exactly 888 246 ceramic flowers in the moat…
The best part of the installation in my opinion? Every handmade poppy on display has been purchased by the public (£25 each) and will be shipped to them after Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red closes on November 11th. Talk about engaging the masses! AND 10% from each poppy sale – along with millions of pounds in net proceeds – will be shared equally amongst six service charities. Although the installation has received its share of criticism, it’s one of the most poignant works I’ve seen in some time; a transient piece that is sure to be remembered by the millions of people whom it has touched.
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