On the evening of June 1, coinciding with the official opening of Cardiff Bay barrage, an unusual work of art could be seen over the bay. Artists Hana Sakuma and Adrian Holme created the "Sky Map" action to mark an alternative vision for the Cardiff Bay development. The work was commissioned by PLACE, which has opposed the Cardiff Bay Barrage and taken a critical stance towards the Cardiff Bay development since 1993.

"Sky Map" consisted of 120 white helium filled balloons released in a stream into the evening sky across the bay. Each balloon had a little white paper boat attached. The balloon boats were carried across the vast bay, now an artificial freshwater lagoon created by the Barrage. "The boats were inspired by the Celtic sea God, Manawyddan, or Mananaan, who had a magical boat that would travel wherever he wished by the power of thought" explained artist Adrian Holme. "Depending on the wind, the balloon boats have the ability to sail effortlessly over the new barrage, to disperse over the estuary. We are also saying something about the power of poetry and ideas to rise over any apparent obstacle" he added.

The "Sky Map" balloon release took place from the east shore of the promontory at the mouth of the river Ely where it enters the west side of Cardiff Bay. Wind conditions sent the white balloons east over the bay where they disappeared into a pale white-grey evening sky. Drinkers in the nearby pub "The Red House" became intrigued by this unusual event and the landlord offered the use of his bar as a wind-free place for inflating the 120 balloons, creating a further impromptu installation as the "Sky Map" balloon boats filled the ceiling of the bar before release outdoors. An enthusiastic group of customers helped to launch the stream of balloons and watched them disappear into the sky.

Several locals described the pollution that now afflicts the waters of the bay, as a result of the barrage and were interested in PLACE's opposition and stance on the development. Their stories included dead cows in the water, an appalling stench, toxic algae, and the end of fishing in the bay.

In a statement PLACE said that in commissioning "Sky Map" it aimed to offer "an alternative view to the one presented by the barrage in which hermetic trends and consumption are placed at the heart of the development. The balloons, which started their journey en mass, become separated and disperse freely as the air moves them onwards. In a similar way, PLACE's ongoing project "ATLAS" invites one to explore the importance of connectedness and the scope of infinity, we hope this gesture will offer a subtle counterpoint to the main staged events and the opening of the barrage." The statement said PLACE "wished to draw attention to the loss of the tides, the severing of the connection to the oceans, the destruction of the mud flats and Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the closure and restriction of visual and psychological space caused by the building of the barrage."

Further information available from Andrew Darke, tel. 01594 562646
e.mail: andrew@yorkleywood.freeserve.co.uk
(see attached PLACE resume)

For further information about the artists contact

Hana Sakuma, tel. 0208 691 2799 hanasakuma@hotmail.com
Adrian Holme, tel. 0207 609 4049 adrian@aholme.demon.co.uk

CVs for Hana Sakuma and Adrian Holme