'Awake', Övermark, April-June 2023

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A barn made in 1947, in the field of Vasavägen 1335, Övermark, Närpes (62.591006,21.438455), in recent months has been the focus of work on a site-specific mural, coating it entirely in colour and giving new life and purpose. The art piece inaugurates the BBG project of developing public art in rural areas of Ostrobothnia region. Investigating and highlighting the benefits, know-how, and development of the different public art forms in peripheral and sparely populated contexts.

´Awake´ represents an abstraction of the surrounding landscape in a multilevel of underground soil, sightseen of trees and forest, and a dynamically shaped sky created by geometric lines. Three zoomorphic figures are designed under the 'soil' level of this abstract landscape which symbolizes the growing seeds, 'awakening' from the winter season, reborn, rise in a metaphorical expression that finds application in many different social contexts of our life. Both, the zoomorphic figures creation and the abstract color-shape play, have been inspired by the location where the artwork was planned to be implemented. The combination of the two artists' singular style and practice is brought further and developed toward a unique art piece.

In addition to the mural painting piece, a sound artist was invited to create a music composition following the same framework and concept of the whole project. Michele Uccheddu has created the 'Awake Aqua' collection and the track 'Under' which can be listened freely HERE and will soon be accessible on site! A public event was organised in October 2023, to present the artworks and perform live music.

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Funded by Svenska Kulturfonden, Svensk-Österbottniska Samfundet (SÖS), Närpes Municipality | Location Manager: Magdalena Lindroos | Collaborator: Övermark Byaråd rf, Supranu Records | Thank you to Patrik & Lilli Groop (barn owners)

Sydin 5.5.2023​ | 'Public Art in Rural Areas' by Bekim Hasaj - Ostrobothnia Museum's Cultural Blog |​ Sydin & Vasabladet 5.7.2023

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