Translink Press Release: New Arrivals at Central Station - Translink
New Arrivals at Central Station
18 April 2005
Translink unveiled two new art installations at Belfast’s Central Station last night (18 April) at a reception held for commuters and art experts alike. Created by local artist, Chris Wilson, the works entitled ‘Landscape Lines’ and ‘Networks’ take visitors to the station on a visual journey and were commissioned as part of a Lottery-funded public art project, in conjunction with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the unveiling, Translink Chief Executive, Mr Keith Moffatt, said that the installation of the new artwork provided the finishing touch to Northern Ireland’s flagship public transport facility and gateway to the North.
“We are delighted to officially launch these two inspiring works of art which we hope will further enhance the journey experience of our passengers.” Mr Moffatt said. “Their clever modern design reflects that of the station and compliments the space. Translink’s role is about making connections and using networks to help people reach their intended destination. These two pieces of artwork reflect that role in a very interesting and original way.“
Translink Chairman, Dr. Joan Smyth CBE, added, “Since being officially reopened following a major £6 million redevelopment project in March 2003, Central Station has offered our passengers, visitors and staff, facilities of the highest standards. We continually aim to ensure that our passengers have the most relaxing and pleasant journey possible, and that they enjoy the landscape and their surroundings along the way.
“The station has been cleverly designed and the light is fantastic and really lends itself well to appreciating art at its best, and indeed the station is playing host to the winning and runners’-up entries from the 2004 Translink Ulster in Bloom Schools’ Art Competition, aimed at fostering creativity in our youngsters. The artwork (UiB) will be on display until the end of this month.
“We are confident that the addition of the installations will enhance the station and make it a bright and enjoyable environment for all those passing through,” Dr Smyth concluded.
Artist Chris Wilson, said that he was delighted to be involved in the project. “I have enjoyed working on these two pieces and it is wonderful to see them given such prominence in Central Station for passengers to enjoy. It’s the first time I have worked in neon and my intention was to focus on the links between different locations and employ the topography of maps as a way of exploring landscape.
“‘Landscape Lines’ is a linear, flowing drawing rendered in steel and neon, which represents the rail journey from Belfast to Dublin with the patterns of the road networks highlighting the clusters of urban development. Taking passengers on a visual journey before they’ve even left the station!
“’Networks’ on the other hand, illustrates six locations served by Translink. Each panel employs the geography of maps and focuses on the roads and pathways as indicators of human activity. I will leave it to visitors to guess which areas I have depicted. The panels are modern in theme and in the use of materials to blend in with the modern design of the station.”
Roisin McDonagh, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland said that both pieces of artwork reflected their surroundings.
“I’m very pleased that Translink and the Arts Council have been able to support the creation of these works of art for such a prominent public space, where they can be enjoyed by so many members of the public. The themes of the art works are entirely relevant to their environment, and their use of modern materials adds significantly to the enhancement of Belfast’s bright and attractively refurbished main rail hub. The station provides a great welcome to travelers entering Belfast and the inclusion of art in main concourse reinforces the positive image of Belfast as a city which values its arts and culture.” She said.
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