This new commission by Nils Norman addresses Portsmouth’s urban landscape. The exhibition in the gallery is accompanied by a series of poster works by the artist in bus shelters around Portsmouth and a new permanent mural for Gunwharf Quays’ pedestrian subway. Ruins, Monuments and Follies explores the changing nature of public space, city design, and the challenges of urban ecology.

The exhibition itself includes sculptures and digital drawings featuring local architectural landmarks, adapted and ’recycled’ by the artist. We are invited to re-imagine the city, considering how urban life could be more sustainable, the DIY reclamation of public space by local people and the re-appropriation of history.

Nils Norman is based in London and has exhibited internationally. Commissions in 2007 included Tate Modern, Piccadilly Circus underground station in London, as well as exhibitions in Vienna, Seville and Miami. Ruins, Monuments and Follies is organised by in association with Gunwharf Quays Management Ltd.

Thank you to Clear Channel for the donation of the bus shelter and to Elliot Group for their support in printing the digital drawing for Gunwharf Quays’ pedestrian subway.