To create the artwork, Sian visited New Covent Garden Fruit and Vegetable Market and Flower Market to take photographic scans of a wide range of fruit, vegetables and flowers. Computer-generated textures from these scans were then used to create an abstract digital tapestry that features more than 30 items of produce across the full spectrum of colours and textures on offer, including Romanesco broccoli, Shimeji mushrooms, Japanese anemones and calla lilies.
“The work seeks to capture the breathtaking variety of the entire market, from fruits, to vegetables, to flowers," explains Sian. "It digitally fuses these elements together as a meditative expression of connection, curiosity and colour."
The New Covent Garden Market Vitrine Art Commission was initiated and funded by VINCI St. Modwen (VSM) in association with CGMA and realised in collaboration with UK wide contemporary art festival, Art Night.
“Remedy is a celebration of the variety and vibrancy of the fresh produce that is sold at New Covent Garden Market by a community of more than 150 expert traders, some of whose families have been feeding and flowering London for generations," says Jo Breare, General Manager at CGMA. "The Vitrine Art Commission has been a great opportunity for the Nine Elms community and all those who visit the area to get a taste of what makes the market so special, while showcasing up-and-coming artists. We’d like to thank our redevelopment partners and commissioners of this installation series, VINCI St. Modwen, together with Art Night, for making this possible and for involving the market and our traders in this initiative.”
“We are extremely proud to have initiated the Vitrine Art Commission, providing a new platform for upcoming artists to gain exposure and bringing exciting public art to the Nine Elms regeneration area," says Rob Williams, Managing Director Major Projects at St. Modwen. "Over the years we have celebrated the produce, diversity and community the market represents and, in the final commission with Sian Fan’s exciting work, exploring the market’s connection with the digital age."
Remedy by Sian Fan was selected by a judging panel that included representatives from VSM, the Royal Horticultural Society, Wandsworth Council, Kew Gardens and Art Night. The selection process was held in consultation with representation from market traders and CGMA.