Bridgette Ashton's Ruin Gazer platform acts as a pavilion, monument, and meeting place, inviting audiences to compose a picturesque vista of
Bridgette Ashton’s ‘Ruin Gazer’ platform acts as a pavilion, monument, and meeting place, inviting audiences to compose a ‘picturesque’ vista of ruins on Portland from key vantage points.
‘Ruin Gazer’ addresses ideas surrounding the staged heritage implicit in touristic ruins and will encourage questions around the authenticity of such sites, asking questions about the authentic experience and ways in which we look at and see a place.
Visitors ascend a small staircase into a booth looking out onto the vista of the ruins of Rufus Castle overlooking Church Ope. They are then invited to turn away from the picturesque scene and view it through a tinted ‘Claude Glass’ mirror. This optical device, widely used in the 18th century, was intended to help artists produce works of art similar to those of Claude Lorrain.
Hayloft Cafe picnic area, Cove Holiday Park
Pennsylvania Road
Portland
DT5 1HU
