Illustration and heritage: Sharing histories to draw out futures'

Chamberlain, Ian

Abstract

My proposal for Illustration and Heritage: Sharing Histories to Draw out futures symposium
builds on my ongoing exploration into recording man-made technologies and architectural structures within the landscape.
I will discuss how my artistic practice reinterprets these structures as monuments and architectural metaphors, reflecting past and current technological achievements. Many of these structures now stand abandoned, serving as past reminders and isolated landmarks within the landscape.
The function and significance of much of my subject matter are often unknown to the wider public. I will explain how my work serves as an introduction to these locations and their histories, aiming to reignite interest and imagination about their cultural significance.
I will discuss how use the interlinking processes of Drawing and Printmaking to record these locations first hand, creating a visual historical document and a legacy to the histories and activities.
This will start to emphasize themes of defence, boundaries and shelter, infusing my practice with a stronger political edge and social awareness.

I will discuss two projects in particular;

1.The Atlantic Wall was a system of coastal fortifications built by Nazi Germany in World War II, 1942 - 1944 along the coast of western Europe stretching over 6000 miles.

The Atlantic wall body of work further explores themes of boundaries and frontiers, offering contemporary relevance and a symbolic connection with current social and political debates around visible and invisible barriers infusing historical narratives with present-day relevance.



2.The Sound Mirrors, Kent. The Acoustic sound mirrors were built on the south and northeast coasts of England between 1916 and 1930s and were part of Britain's national defence strategy.

The mirrors Symbolise themes of defence and surveillance, these historical structures have gained renewed significance and relevance amid rising tensions in Eastern Europe's political landscape and heightened sense of defensive awareness.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Illustration and Heritage: Sharing Histories to Draw Out Futures
• Start Date: Nov 22, 2024
• End Date: Nov 23, 2024
• Acceptance Date: Oct 1, 2024
• Publication Date: Nov 21, 2024
• Deposit Date: Dec 18, 2024
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Drawing, Printmaking, Illustration , Heritage, Architecture
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13535486
• Additional Information: I presented this paper at ' Illustration and Heritage: Sharing Histories to Draw Out Futures' symposium 22-23rd November 2024.
• External URL: https://illustrationandheritage.com/
• Other Repo URL: https://illustrationandheritage.com/speakers/ian-chamberlain/