'Just Dropped In' at Deptford Station Pic: Lauren Buljubasic
There are only two days left to experience the Deptford X Contemporary Arts Festival in Lewisham before it finishes for the year.
On Sunday August 12, the annual festival, which covers an art trail from west to east London through New Cross and Creekside, will come to a close after 3 weeks of exhibitions, tours and performances.
The festival has brought together over 50 projects with events coinciding with the duration of the Olympic Games in London.
Museum of Melancholy podium Pic: Lauren Buljubasic
Incorporating the Olympics theme, a sculpture created by number82 an independent project space based in Deptford celebrates the 80th anniversary of the first Olympic podium, which can be found in the Creekside Café on Faircharm trading estate.
The oak replica of the original 1932 podium is topped with three tug-of-war trophies, continuing the groups ‘Museum of Melancholy’ project using found and discarded sporting memorabilia.
The installation is one of three created by local artists on behalf of Deptford X and commissioned by the London Borough of Lewisham.
Other commissioned projects include a fire breathing sculpture called ‘Hell Bent’ by David Mach, which can be seen at Blackheath from 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.
While 60 students from Prendergast Vale College near Catford created designs to be displayed on Lewisham’s refuse trucks.
Paul Coombs sculpture Pic: Lauren Buljubasic
A highlight of this year’s offering is sculpture and installation from resident Deptford artist Paul Coombs entitled ‘Filthy, Dirty Homo’.
It took Peter seven to eight months to complete the works, which examine perceptions of sexual identity and the effects of anti-gay legislation. The installation is spread over three separate rooms in The Faircharm arts precinct on Creekside Road in Deptford.
Usually a painter Paul said the chance to create sculptures for the first time allowed him to express with texture and different materials including rubber, scrap wood and animal hides.
Dzine's Phenomenom Pic: Lauren Buljubasic
A hybrid sculpture of a bike embellished with jewels and 24-carat gold leaf is the work of celebrated Chicago artist Dzine, exhibited at BEARSPACE, an art gallery on Deptford high street.
'Just Dropped In' at Deptford Lounge Pic: Lauren Buljubasic
Pictures of life-sized galloping Horses can be found hidden on windows of buildings throughout the trail including those at Deptford Station and Deptford Lounge.
The project called ‘Just Dropped In’ leads you eastbound towards Greenwich Park. The pictures were created by Heather Burrell in response to the impact that Olympic equestrian events would have on the area over the course of the Games.
Deptford High Street Pic: Lauren Buljubasic
The best way to experience the festival is to print off your own map from the Deptford X website, or pick one up from any of the festival sites. It’s time to head off on your own art hunt around the streets of Deptford.
