Inflatable art sculptures land in Liverpool city centre - Bruce Asbestos: OK! Cherub! at The Bluecoat

A yellow worm, a collection of frogspawn and a giant arm are among new sculptures that have landed in Liverpool city centre.

The newly commissioned work by Bruce Asbestos can bee seen in the courtyard at The Bluecoat. Each sculpture represents a different aspect of positive mental health.

A giant yellow worm represents Rest, a group of green frogspawn represents Community, and a giant cartoon arm represents Connection.

Artist Asbestos said: “It’s a great privilege to show here at Bluecoat. It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for many years. I think it’s a fantastic space. I think also it’s a great venue nationally - people really look to the Bluecoat for inspiration.”

What’s it about?

The sculptures add an element of larger-than-life cartoon fun to the city centre venue and invite people to think about ways in which they look after themselves and others around them.

Inspiration behind the art

The work has been developed in response to the Bluecoat’s historic building and courtyard, particularly the architectural features such as the cherubs that adorn the facade.

Inspiration for Community, the frogspawn, came from the artist’s lockdown walks with his young son to the local park where there was frogspawn in the pond, and finding it symbolic of collectivity and togetherness. 

Rest, a worm sculpture in leisurely repose is inspired by Japanese Kokeshi Dolls, stylised wooden dolls with no arms or legs used as children’s toys and sold to tourists. 

Finally, Connection, the giant arm, is an unknown cartoon character who symbolises reaching out to connect.

Where to see ‘Bruce Asbestos: OK! Cherub!’

The work will be displayed at The Bluecoat, 8 School Ln, Liverpool L1 3BX.

The exhibition commences on Tuesday, 22 February and runs to Sunday, 5 June.

It can be viewed from 11:00am - 5:00pm but the work is weather dependent and may occasionally be deflated in poor conditions. Please contact us by calling 0151 702 5324 if you need any further information prior to your visit.