Negotiated Space is a giant experimental 1km long line drawing by international artist Luke Jerram.  

Made of 1000m of 20cm wide magenta ribbon, the fabric will take over the exterior of the Grade II* Listed RWA Art Gallery before entering a window of the building and exploring the upper floor of the gallery. 

“RWA were looking for an art intervention that would help celebrate and advertise their latest exhibition inside the building. This artwork is both a simple sculptural intervention of the space outside the museum and an experimental three-dimensional drawing. It’s been great fun, developing this new experimental project with the team. We’re literally taking a line, for a walk!” Luke Jerram

Altering its appearance with the changing wind and weather conditions, Negotiated Space will be installed at the Grade II* Listed Art Gallery from 10th June. 

A large-scale experimental drawing, the artwork is a joyful response to our 'Summer of Textiles’ - a season of exhibitions and events that are bursting with colour, narratives and texture.  

The programme includes Soft Power: Lives told through textile art, an exhibition curated by internationally-renowned textile art pioneers, Professor Alice Kettle and Professor Lesley Millar MBE. The exhibition uses textiles as a form of portraiture: a vehicle to amplify hidden stories, challenge perceptions and celebrate shared human experiences. 

More exhibitions and one-off events will celebrate textiles include Bristol Refugee Artists Collective ‘Sharing Love’ featuring a co-created dress from Dorcas Dress Project charity (DDP), Handstiched Heritage, a showcase of the work of Royal School of Needlework’s Apprentice and Future Tutor Alumni, Summer After-Hours Event with music from Diverse Artists Network and Connecting Threads from the RWA’s artists, the Academicians.  

Image credit: Luke Jerram