Some modern art is rubbish

I took the chance recently to have a peek into one of the most enigmatic buildings in Liverpool. I had heard so much about the building and I had looked forward to the opportunity to see what was the fuss all about. St Luke's Church, known colloquially as the Bombed out Church has been a fascinating piece of the Liverpool landscape, but one that has been looking for a modern role to play.

The walls of the church remain intact, but after a bombing raid during World War II the roof and the insides have remained derelict ever since.

It has recently been utilised as part of the biennial - an event that uses many of the buildings in Liverpool as works of art. I'm not a great aficionado of modern art, Another Place on Crosby beach (which has thankfully be granted a temporary stay of execution by the way)is probably of the few pieces of modern art that have not left me cold.

The installation in the Bombed Out Church is one that has left me feeling bemused.

It is by the artist Matej Andraz Vogrincic and his entry on the Biennial website talks about 'turning the most ordinary objects into visual poetry, and the most ordinary or neglected places into magical.'

I have to say the objects were a distraction to the discarded tramp juice cans and the amazing structure left unused, but loved over the years. Green upturned boats...WTF!

I wouldn't have crossed the road if hadn't have been for the chance to view the Bombed Out Church at close quarters.

Another Place

The Crosby coastline is not the most obvious place you would expect to see works of art.

It’s a coastline that is functional at best. To the south of Burbo Bank you have the docks of Seaforth, to the north you have Formby coastline. It’s a coast that is lapped by the Irish Sea and its reputation was previously based on its polluted state, instead of any cultural or artistic interest.

For the last year Another Place, the work of Antony Gormley – famous for his Angel of the North statue has taken pride of place on the shore.

They are due to remain there until November - where they will be transported to the Hamptons, New York.

Given the imminent 2008 City of Culture celebrations there have been calls for the Iron Men to remain for the duration of these celebrations.

I have been a regular visitor to Burbo Bank over the last few months and have been fascinated by their appeal.

I used to live a mile up the coast and I don’t think I had visited the coast more than once during my 12 years in Hightown. Over the last few months I have been there on a number of occasions.

What is surprising is the fact that locals have met these calls saying that the time has come for them to go. They say that the popularity of the beach with the Iron Men, is ruining the fun for anglers and water sports enthusiasts.

I can’t believe the petty mindedness of some people. These figures should be celebrated and be made more of a feature for this part of the coast. For Christ sake we live on an island – isn’t there enough room to fish or surf.

Hopefully they will stay, but if not catch them while you can.Failing that check out my selection of pictures on Flicker.