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B of the Beuracratic Oath

From:     Ben Zanoe
Category: Art
Date:     11 February 2009
Time:     03:58 PM

Review:

Manchester... So much to answer for including the brainless removal of Tom Heatherwicks sculpture B
of the Bang, probably the most aesthetically impressive and beautiful of the most recent public
sculptures. What I do understand is sorting out the inherent design problems of this most
challenging engineering feat, yes, let us learn from the little mistakes inevitably made in the
insecurity of life's experience. So the spiky palm leaf structures are self detaching, this is
public art that inspires us all, fix it and put it back.
This is not a painting, cossetted and purchased with the money from the Highland Clearances by the
Duke of Sutherland, this is not a multiple version Hirst for some b..banker to enjoy in the privacy
of his nest egg mayonaise, this is not one of the old YBA BYO network making a sunset entry or an
important emerging young emerging, it is in the words of Tom Heatherwick the sculpture takes its
name from a quote by Linford Christie, (British Olympic Sprinter if you did'nt know) who said that
he started to run his races not merely at the bang of the starting pistol but at the B of the Bang.
The work is huge and even a photograph is breathtaking. Simon Ashley does the Manchester Liberal
Democrats a huge diservice by condeming the work, my own mp is a Lib Dem and I have to admit he's
okay for a politician but they really know how to be inconsistent, this work is really important and
so much more approachable than the enlarged "nazi cap badge replica" called the Angel of the North,
okay, crowd pleasing pulp needs a place, the Jack Vettriano, Rolf Harris popularist stuff, postcards
of kittens and sparkly blue seas but where can you see public art of this calibre other than perhaps
Trafalgar Square in London - pressure should be applied about reinstating this work and I seriously
believe since it has been temporarily taken down, the renewed safer version should initially be
displayed at the London Olympics before going home to Sportscity inb Manchester. I have to say that,
although the City inhabitants are sick of the sight of scaffolding I am always impressed by the
stunning new architecture, such as the new Hilton Building. Please apply pressure to fund the
reinstatement of the B of the Bang. VOTE BANG.


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