Art student reveals story behind the concrete blocks which have left visitors to Hamilton Square scratching their heads

Nov 30 2011 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

AN art student has revealed the story behind a display of concrete blocks which has been puzzling visitors to Hamilton Square.

The 16 black cubes, which have been on a grassed area in the historic Birkenhead square since November 21, are a piece of conceptual art created by Stephen Sheehan, from Beechwood.

The first year fine art student at Wirral Met College says the piece is designed to break up "the structure and routine within our environment".

It is the first time Wirral Council has granted permission for a piece of public art in Hamilton Square.

Mr Sheehan, 25, said: "From birth I believe we are basically taught and guided to follow a structured life through parenting and schools, leading us to continue this through into later life.

"By placing these alien objects within a busy environment, I hope to break the public’s structured routine as they go to work or school – making them question the objects they see and discuss them with others."

Mr Sheehan’s display – called 16 Concrete Blocks – was inspired by the work of Carl Andre, an American minimalist artist known for his linear and grid format sculptures.

The cubes are made of lightweight concrete and finished with masonry paint.

The number, size and arrangement – eight inches in size and placed six feet apart – represent Mr Sheehan’s date of birth and the day his "structured life" began – June 16, 1986.

His tutors will assess the piece this week as part of his first major assignment on the subject of environment.

He said: "We went to draw people in their environment going about their daily routines and they looked kind of vacant, like they’re on auto pilot.

"It got me thinking about whether we think about what we’re doing and do we switch off?

"I wanted to put the blocks in a place where a lot of people would be in their set routines to see what effect it would have on them.

"I was quite proud when I went to Hamilton Square. People were stopping and looking at them and it seemed to be working.

"They’d read the sign with my name on, walk away and look back at them. Hopefully it got them thinking."

Councillor Chris Meaden, Wirral Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: "We were happy to support this young artist by providing space in Hamilton Square.

"Whether you are a fan of public art or not, there is no doubt that it provides a talking point.

"We are sure Stephen’s work will be an interesting conversation starter for people visiting Birkenhead."

The cubes will remain in place until December 5.