Place of Safety,

installation from Kathy Williams.

Written by Sally Perry,

editor, NewsOnTheWight - Supporter of the Arts.

Shaped by its striking location and the active involvement of the community, Place of Safety was brought to life under the visionary guidance of Kathy Williams. 

Nestled on the cliff top, overlooking the seaside town of Ventnor, stands La Falaise Shelter: somewhere you can find refuge, whether from a storm or the weight of our daily burdens. It's a place where we can be surrounded by nature, and where we can rest, recharge, and feel a sense of belonging. 

Using La Falaise Shelter as the location of this installation brought with it a metaphorical resonance, symbolising the intersection of art and sanctuary and making it an ideal backdrop. Ventnor recently experienced a catastrophic landslide and with access to the town limited, many residents found themselves even more isolated from the outside world. 

The Shelter added layers of meaning to the artwork, inviting viewers to explore themes of protection and resilience. It  became an integral part of the narrative, enriching the viewer's experience and deepening their connection. 

Exploring the use of mark-making and paint-ings together, the artist and community groups of different ages and backgrounds developed a fertile symbol of unity at Place of Safety. The artist pushed the boundaries of how we think about using paint as a relevant, expressive medium, and considering how the public accesses, engages with, and understands the use of paint in contemporary art. 

The paint-ings transcended traditional boundaries of a confined surface. They were conceived and created with all the rigour and intention that painting requires, yet each mark and revision has been liberated to exist within physical space. 

The paint itself serves as a reactive expression, capturing and reflecting the artist’s understanding of the environment—the place, space, and people within it. The gestures within the work bring with them an open invitation for others to engage, explore, and contribute their own interpretations and ideas.

 Kathy uses this project to continue her research ideas of Painting as a Democratic Act (PaDA) and pioneered the term ‘paint-ings’. These are conceived of and created with the whole process of what making a painting needs, but now it’s where each mark and revision of marks have been placed to exist in physical space. The paint-ings within the installation provided a sense of public ownership of the art. As it came to a conclusion, all that now exists are the images taken by members of the public.

 Place of Safety not only highlighted the profound connection between art and community, but also left a lasting impact on both the physical and emotional landscapes of Ventnor.  

By transforming La Falaise Shelter into a space where art and sanctuary converge, the project underscored the importance of communal spaces that foster creativity, reflection, and resilience. The memories and conversations it sparked continue to resonate within the community, reminding us of the enduring power of art to shape our understanding of the world around us.