A spontaneous moment of inspiration has transformed a Lewes art exhibition into a unique creative collaboration.
John Agard, one of the UK's most celebrated poets, visited the SPAM exhibition at the Phoenix Project’s Soap Factory in Lewes and was captivated by a robot artwork by Iyla Shah.
In a moment of creative impulse, he penned an original poem directly onto the piece, turning it into a one-of-a-kind collaboration between poet and artist.
Iyla Shah, the artist behind the robot work, said: "To watch someone of John’s stature respond so instinctively to the work was incredibly moving.
"The fact that he reached for words immediately says everything about the power of art to spark conversation and creativity.
"I’m so glad we could find a pen for him in the spur of the moment. It’s a brilliant poem, typically playful and provocative."
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Mr Agard, a recipient of the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry, also purchased one of Iyla Shah Studio’s sweatshirts as a memento.
Ms Shah has created prints of the artwork featuring Mr Agard’s poem, which are available for sale to visitors.
The SPAM exhibition marks the revival of the old Soap Factory at the Phoenix Project with a multidisciplinary show focused on play, experimentation and creative reuse.
It features work by Nadine Rafi Ocean, Iyla Shah, Orla W. Carolin, Tellamont, Aimée Lyon and Sam Nicholson and explores how discarded materials can be transformed into art.
SPAM is open Thursday to Sunday, 12pm to 6pm, for the next two weeks at The Soap Factory, Phoenix Project, Lewes.
Admission is free.
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