If you’re taking a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the Walsall Arboretum Lake this week, you won’t fail to notice this huge 21-feet high floating inflatable!
Dubbed the “Walsall Water Argonaut”, the sculpture is the work of various local disabled groups and was co-designed by artist, Jason Wilsher-Mills.
Commissioned by Creative Black County, over 60 disabled people worked on the psychedlic floating sculpture as a celebration of disability in the Black Country.
“The piece illustrates the stories of local people and the barriers they face as a result of their disability and has been supported by Arts Council England in collaboration with Walsall Council Healthy Spaces, Canal & River Trust, The New Art Gallery Walsall and presented as Birmingham Festival 2022.”
“I want people to smile when they first see him, and then I want them to stop and think, “ said Jason. “ He is what I call a ’trojan horse’; in the sense that the viewer simply thinks it is a bit of colourful fun, but then they see those beautiful disabled faces which adorn the surface, and I hope this will make them think about some of the issues relating to the work.
Throughout covid, disabled people were the group which were so greatly affected. 60% of people who died from the pandemic were disabled. Also we are at a very sad time in history when hate crime against disabled people is at an all time high, so I want to create art which reflects this, and challenges attitudes.
I believe just being angry and shouting is not enough. I aim to entertain and make people laugh and smile, in order to make them think. I cannot wait to see him at his new homes in Walsall. I hope the locals take him to heart, as he was built from love.”
The sculpture will remain on the Arboretum Lake until August 22 before it heads to the Walsall Canal Basin from August 23-September 2.