"Hyperscope is part of a series of work I have undertaken in North East England and that all share an appreciation of how the heritage of certain areas is ‘beneath our feet’.

Thinking about what is underground and our relationship to this concealed space has also been an important part of developing ‘Counterweight’ [a piece of public art in situ at Gala Theatre, Durham] and ‘Prospect’ [a piece of public art in Chilton, County Durham].

Hyperscope uses a child like device, a cardboard periscope, to negotiate this transition from below to above ground. I tend to associate the subterranean with the past and the sky with the future, very simplistic I know, but in terms of considering a space’s past and future I have found it a useful conceit. A similar approach was taken in 'Braid' [a piece of public art in Blackburn].

Hyperscope inspiration / focus: The mining industry and the submarines that docked at Blyth, Northumberland, are important elements of the project, both having this quality of a life beneath the surface

The colour changing light element of the piece plays with this beginning underground and moveing from the bottom lens to the top lens. I wanted the artwork to break through the surface of the Sqaure.

The ‘Fresnel’ style lenses that are housed within the top and bottom sections refer to the lighthouse or 'Highlight' and are used for focussing the beam of light.

I also like the fact that a hyperscope is described as a 'device for looking over crowds' and as part of the market square’s redevelopment the artwork will similarly oversee all of the people who use the space." Simon Watkinson
 

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