2014: Chromolocomotion

Chromolocomotion by David Batchelor (Terrace Wires, April – October 2014)

In April 2014, we launched the second sculpture of the Terrace Wires series at St Pancras International, Chromolocomotion by David Batchelor. The colourful artwork was unlike anything ever seen at St Pancras International bathing the Grand Terrace in a Kaleidoscope of colour.

Chromolocomotion, expressed David Batchelor’s love of light and bold colour. Using brightly coloured Perspex shards, the new installation created an ever changing explosion of colour over the Grand Terrace in the station.

Taking influence of the station's gothic Victorian architecture and striking colours, Chromolocomotion made use of the iconic Barlow Shed roof as a light source transforming the area into St Pancras' very own stained glass window.

The 20m x 10m piece stopped the station’s visitors in their tracks and encouraged them to look up and take in this year's installation.

David Batchelor

Batchelor’s work comprises three-dimensional structures, photographs, paintings and drawings primarily centred around his long-term interest in colour and urbanism. By mixing a diverse range of everyday items with industrial products - often found from scouring the streets of London - his work celebrates the beauty of everyday objects that is often overlooked or ignored.

He has exhibited widely in the UK, continental Europe, the Americas and more recently, Asia. Recent exhibitions include Flatlands, Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh/Spike Island, Bristol (2013/14); Magic Hour, Gemeentmuseum, The Hague (2012); Chromophilia: 1995-2010, Paço Imperial, Rio de Janeiro (2010); Backlights, Galeria Leme, São Paulo, (2008); Color Chart, Museum of Modern Art, New York (2008) and Tate Liverpool (2009); Unplugged, Talbot Rice Gallery, Edinburgh (2007);  Extreme Abstraction, Albright Knox Gallery, Buffalo, New York (2005);the Biennial de Santiago, Chile (2005); Shiny Dirty, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham (2004); the 26th Bienal De São Paulo (2004);  Sodium and Asphalt, Museo Tamayo, Mexico City (2003); and Days Like These: Tate Britain Triennial of Contemporary Art, Tate Britain, London (2003).

Batchelor has also written extensively on colour; his publications include Chromophobia (2000) and The Luminous and the Grey (2014). David Batchelor was born in 1955 in Dundee, and lives and works in London.

davidbatchelor.co.uk