Tests begin on forest sculpture

The sculpture will have thousands of disks (picture Mark Pinder)

Tests are being carried out to see if a troubled piece of public art can be erected in a Northumberland forest.

The £60,000 sculpture - called Mirage - was due to have been completed in Kielder Forest in October 2005.

But stability problems emerged with the thousands of reflective stainless steel disks that make up the piece, created by Japanese-born artist Kisa Kawakami.

Now, with a more weather-resistant disk, it is hoped the artwork can be erected later this year.

Since October, Forestry Commission engineers have been working closely with the artist and the manufacturers of the sculpture's reflective metal disks, to develop a solution that will resolve the technical issues.

Peter Sharpe, Kielder Partnership curator, said: "Although the cancellation of October's launch was a disappointment for the whole team, everybody connected with the project has rallied round and focused their efforts on finding a solution.

Shimmering effects

"We are confident that the tests of the new prototypes will be a success.

"This will become more apparent after the disks remain in place throughout the tough winter weather and their performance will be thoroughly evaluated before reinstallation of the complete sculpture is undertaken."

Kawakami's sculpture will use the reflective disks to "animate" the surrounding hills and vegetation.

The disks will hang in an undulating three-dimensional blanket creating shimmering effects, reflecting the light from Kielder lake and the sky.

To complete the work, a series of interlocking terraced decks will cover the forest floor beneath the suspended work.

It will be visible to walkers at a distance and also to visitors in boats.

The sculpture has been paid for with cash from the Northern Rock Foundation, Northumberland Strategic Partnership, Forestry Commission, Arts Council England and private firms.