Legacy is a sculptural installation created to immerse the onlooker in the transformative moment between an earthly Jesus on the cross becoming a boundless flowing energy bursting out into the world; an unending legacy of love and sacrifice. It can also be seen to relate to each of us – we have our own legacy in some way, through our actions. One person can change the world through love.
The semi-abstract figure hangs upon a double-sided crossbar painted with a sky depicting a beautiful dawn, above two asymmetric mirrored steel pieces reflecting us and our world, in which Jesus moved for a time.
The figure, and sculpture as a whole, is made from 150 metres of walnut veneer, backed with golden copper leaf; each small piece of leaf applied by hand. The body on the cross is a deep blood red at the start of the figure, to depict bodily suffering, becoming lighter red and orange as it moves around the shape of the figure, then golden as it descends from the figure, to represent the spiritual transformation from earthly body to eternal force.
The installation flows out abundantly in all directions, connecting with everything it touches; an endless power and force for good.
Artist and sculptor, Roberta Fulford, completed an Arts degree at Northumbria University, and her work has evolved from furniture and interior design to now focusing entirely on her multi-disciplinary art. She uses a variety of materials and techniques to create works that aim to connect with the onlooker, inspire an emotional response and ultimately unite us in a positive direction towards caring for each other and the planet.
Before coming to Blanchland, Legacy is on display at Newcastle Cathedral: https://newcastlecathedral.org.uk/legacy-by-roberta-fulford/
Legacy will be installed in Blanchland Abbey on the 16th & 17th May 2023, and we hope it will remain on site until September
