William FurlongOFF THE BEATEN TRACK
William Furlong
United Kingdom (1944)
/ THE WORK
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK,
stainless steel and acoustics
On a short path that runs parallel to the main path of the Park, 16 stainless steel cubes mysteriously appear. Positioned in pairs to mark the road, their surfaces suggestively reflect the changing light and shadow. However, there is much else interesting to discover. In fact, walking among them, you can hear a great variety of sounds: bells, the beating of drums, the different languages of the tourist guides, the voices of adults and children and even the siren of an ambulance. They were all recorded in the city of Siena and then edited in certain sequences for which the artist designed software that controls each individual speaker.
This audio installation proposes yet another form of contemporary sculpture: a form of bilocation in which the sounds of the streets of Siena can be heard, for about a minute, amidst the serene quiet of the Park. The work explores the whole idea of tourism and asks the question of how and to what extent the social, cultural and historical layers that have built up over the centuries and that characterize this dynamic city can be understood. Furlong’s work makes conceptual, auditory and visual connections between the urban and the rural, between the ephemeral and the experience of present time and space.
William Furlong
United Kingdom (1944)
BIOGRAPHY
William Furlong was born in Woking, England in 1944 and lives and works in London. He studied at the Guilford School of Art and Crafts (1960-65) and then at the Royal Academy School in London (1965-68). His work engages with and explores sound and its reception and perception. He manipulates, choreographs and interprets sound, working with a myriad of different sources from conversation, speech and dialogue and its many individual nuances to the sounds of birds singing.
In 1973 he founded Audio Arts, a magazine of contemporary art, recording and documenting conversations and interviews with artists. The Audio Arts archive today is the largest archive of original recordings of contemporary art and was acquired in 2004 by the Tate Gallery in London.
His book, “Speaking of Art: Four Decades of Art in Conversation” was published by Phaidon in April 2010.
USEFUL INFORMATION
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HOW TO REACH US
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By paved road from Siena, take the SP408 to Ponte a Bozzone. Turn left at the church and follow the signs for Pievasciata / Sculpture Park. We are about 15 km from Siena.
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THE WALK
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The walk round the Park is about 1,5 km and it is suitable for baby buggies and wheelchair users. Upon request we offer a tour of the Park in an electric buggy for those with mobility issues. Contact us for further information.
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OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS
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Open every day (including Sundays and holidays) from 10am to 6pm. Last entry one hour before closing.
Tickets: €10 adults | € 5 reduced – under 18 yrs | Free 0-4 yrs
Booking is not necessary. The Chianti Sculpture Park APP – available for free on Apple Store and Google Play Store – is an excellent audio guide!
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GROUPS
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Groups of more than 12 people are asked to book entry in advance, to facilitate organisation.
Guided tours are available in Italian and English upon reservation.
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A VISIT FOR EVERYONE
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The visit to the Park lasts an hour and a half on average and it is absolutely suitable for children! Our four-legged friends are welcome providing they are kept on a lead and any ‘deposits’ are removed! The park does not have a restaurant, but we will be happy to recommend some restaurants that can be reached by car in a few minutes. A picnic area is available.
CHIANTI SCULPTURE PARK
Strada provinciale 9, 48
53019 Pievasciata - Castelnuovo Berardenga (Si)
P.I. 01181460526 C.F. 92044080528
Phone: +39 0577 357151 E-mail: info@parcosculturechianti.it
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