"𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑬𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆: 𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘 𝒐𝒇 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆"-THE FUTURE

 "𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑬𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆: 𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘 𝒐𝒇 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆"-THE FUTURE

Wymering Manor, located in Cosham, Portsmouth, is an architectural gem steeped in history, making it a captivating destination for enthusiasts of heritage and the supernatural alike. As one of the oldest houses in Portsmouth, dating back to the 16th century, Wymering Manor exudes an air of timeless charm, nestled amidst picturesque surroundings.

The manor, surrounded by lush greenery and ancient trees, stands as a testament to centuries of architectural evolution. Its distinctive features, including timber framing and Tudor-style architecture, tell the tale of its enduring legacy. The property boasts a unique blend of medieval and later architectural elements, showcasing the transitions it underwent over the centuries. Despite lying unoccupied for several years, the community has rallied around it, forming the Wymering Manor Trust to ensure its preservation and envision a meaningful future.

Embracing its historical significance, efforts have been made to revive the manor, transforming it into a community hub for generations to come. Creative surveys and artifact explorations have unfolded, contributing to the grander vision of repurposing this Grade II* listed building. The proposal takes shape with the intent to breathe new life into Wymering Manor, not merely as a relic of the past but as a vibrant space that serves the diverse needs of the community.

With the echoes of the 16th century resonating through its timeworn walls, Wymering Manor holds within it untold stories and cultural significance. The proposal seeks to weave these narratives into the fabric of community life, envisioning a space where residents of all ages can gather, learn, and appreciate the living history encapsulated within the manor's walls. In the spirit of continuity, this initiative is a hopeful step towards ensuring Wymering Manor remains a cherished landmark, not just in the pages of history but as an integral part of the community's present and future.

In the entire thought process, I made sure that the Manor house is turned into a community inclusive purpose. The Wymering Manor's dynamic interplay of light and shadow is what gives the structure its vitality. The idea of the play of light, the depth of shadows, the sense of movements, and the sense of existence are all there throughout the entire process, from the table to the craddle. Upon thorough examination of all these ideas, I chose to grant sanctuary to the silhouette artist, allowing the interplay of shadows to paint poetry on the canvas of space.

Silhouettes:- Art between light and shadows which has declined since the late 19th century when electricity became available.

While researching Sillohuetes art and the artists, I came across some stunning or just remarkable pieces by some of the artists. Kumi Yamashita-Her main focus is on creating silhouettes. She selects items from a range and arranges them in relation to one light source. The shadow silhouettes that follow are made up of both the immaterial (the light or shadow) and the material (the solid things). The mystery of her artwork lies in the fact that without the light, we would not see the objects.

     Pic:1 Kumi Yamashita-Cloud (2005)                Pic:2 Kumi Yamashita-Chair (2014)

Tim Noble and Sue Webster-  Artists Tim Noble and Sue Webster, based in London, use humour, light, shadow, and assemblage in their work. They combine rubbish and things to create self-satirical pieces that connect two worlds. The artists have collected a cache of broken furniture, stepladders, crates, and other abandoned items by gathering the leftovers of others. 

                                                          Pic:3 Dirty White Trash (with Gulls)

                                                     Pic:4 Wasted Youth

My ears were actually pinched more by this. Similar to how a craddle was created from a broken table and some of my friends' artwork, an artefact made from a bedside table that can produce sound, a wearable harp lute, and a Wymering man constructed from an old chair give us hope that creativity and ingenuity can pave the way for human progress. Making Wymering Manor a centre for silhouette art has a number of strong benefits. 

Preservation and Purpose: Repurposing Wymering Manor for silhouette art provides a meaningful and sustainable future for the historic building. It ensures its preservation while breathing new life into its timeworn walls.

Cultural Revival: Silhouette art, with its play of light and shadow, can revive and celebrate the cultural and historical significance of Wymering Manor. It allows the manor to continue as a cultural landmark while inviting contemporary artistic expressions.

Community Engagement: A silhouette art center would attract visitors of all ages, fostering community engagement and participation. Workshops, exhibitions, and events could become regular features, turning Wymering Manor into a vibrant community space.

Educational Opportunities: The manor's transformation into a silhouette art venue creates unique educational opportunities. It can serve as a center for art education, workshops, and programs that inspire creativity and artistic exploration among residents and visitors.

Tourism and Cultural Destination: Silhouette art has the potential to make Wymering Manor a distinctive cultural destination, drawing art enthusiasts and tourists alike. It contributes to the local economy by promoting tourism and cultural activities.

Contemporary Relevance: Incorporating silhouette art aligns the historic manor with contemporary artistic trends. It demonstrates an adaptive and forward-thinking approach, ensuring that Wymering Manor remains relevant and accessible to a broad audience.

Storytelling through Shadows: Silhouette art can become a unique way to narrate the stories and history of Wymering Manor. The interplay of shadows can be used to depict historical events, figures, or aspects of the manor's past, providing an immersive and dynamic storytelling experience.

Creative Collaboration: Inviting silhouette artists to work within the manor encourages creative collaboration. It transforms the space into a canvas for artists to explore and showcase their talent, fostering a dynamic exchange between the historic setting and contemporary artistry.

Inspiration and Reflection: Silhouette art, with its evocative play of light and darkness, can create an atmosphere of inspiration and reflection. Wymering Manor, adorned with silhouette installations, becomes a place for contemplation and artistic introspection.

Cultural Legacy: Establishing Wymering Manor as a silhouette art center ensures its cultural legacy. It becomes a testament to the fusion of historical significance and contemporary creativity, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the community and beyond.

I see Wymering Manor coming back to life as a haven for silhouette art along this transforming path.While witnessing the marriage of history and contemporary creativity, the ancient walls of Wymering Manor come alive with the enchanting dance of shadows. space where centuries-old tales intertwine with the modern expressions of silhouette artists, turning each corner into a canvas for evocative storytelling.In the future, Wymering Manor will stand not just as a monument to history but also as a thriving hub that illuminates the limitless possibilities of preservation, community involvement and adaptation that reside inside its sacred halls and pulses with the alluring spirit of shadowy forms."

Reference:

https://www.artworksforchange.org/portfolio/tim-noble-and-sue-webster/

https://magazine.artland.com/silhouettes-art-between-light-shadow/