Swansea University Art Collection
Off Script by Hasan Kamil
Off Script
This mural is a composition that pays homage to Welsh film icon Richard Burton, the Egypt Centre and the heritage of the University. Appropriately located adjacent to the Library at the Singleton Campus where the Richard Burton Archive can be found. We see an iconic depiction of Burton in his earlier years and behind him a semi-abstract interpretation of the iconic Pontrhydyfen Viaduct found in his hometown.
The abstracted and stylised image of Cleopatra pays homage to the University’s own Egypt centre located on Singleton Campus. The hieroglyphics are inspired by an artefact on display in the Egypt Centre.
A silhouette of the former oil refinery in Llandarcy, where the Bay Campus now proudly stands, serves to link the two campuses.
Our final icon is the chimneys of the old Hafod Morfa copperworks, which were founded by John Vivian, who owned and lived in Singleton Abbey. Long after falling into disrepair the Morfa copperworks building became a popular location for local graffiti artists to hone their skills.
An abstract interpretation of Swansea University’s crest displays a playful take on an open book, curved shapes and straight lines taken from the anchor and pickaxe. The Bay campus mural shows the left side of the book whilst the Singleton campus mural shows the right.
The stylings of the mural draw influence from three artistic sources, two of whom are Swansea-based artists Ceri Richards and George Little, the third being a street artist collaboration Ruído.
The influence of George Littleʼs flat bold colours and geometric style can be seen in the rendition of Cleopatra and the Pontrhydyfen Viaduct.
Ceri Richards's influence comes into play by his use of displaying a narrative through his work in a mural-like fashion. Ruído’s street art blends the abstract surrealist styles with realism that tells a story in almost cut-and-paste, collage manner, the influence of which can be seen in the mural.