The McKeown Rice Exhibition Space opened on Jamaica Street on 27th November 2014 as a tribute to Claire McKeown and Paul Rice, founding members of Baltic Creative CIC. For the past nine years, this space has acted as a canvas for artists, curated by Castle Fine Arts Foundry. Join us to reflect on the incredible works that have graced the streets of the Baltic Triangle.
‘Days of Judgement’ by Laura Ford
Our first work was ‘Days of Judgement’ which reconfigured Adam and Eve as a group of very tall, skinny cats. These bronze statues launched the plinth in 2014, built with support from PHD1 Foundation.
Photo (c) Pete Carr.
‘Black Swan’ by Kenny Hunter
In 2015 we hosted this stunning piece by Kenny Hunter – sculptor and lecturer at Edinburgh College of Art. ‘Black Swan’ addresses animal consciousness and anthropomorphism.
Photo (c) Pete Carr.
‘Lying, Reading & Sitting Figures’ by Carol Peace
Also in 2015, we welcomed these figures by Carol Peace. The sculptures were originally made in clay then cast in bronze resin. The artist described this process as magical – ‘turning something so transient … into something so strong.’
Photo (c) Pete Carr.
‘Lady Hare Holding Dog’ by Sophie Ryder
In 2016, Sophie Ryder’s captivating sculpture forged powerful images charged with character and emotion. The human parts are based on the artist’s own body, creating a sense of mysticism.
Photo (c) Pete Carr.
‘The Greatest’ by Andrew Edwards
Installed in 2017, this bronze statue depicts Mohammed Ali during his famous boxing match with Sonny Liston. The statue was constructed in Castle Fine Arts’ former workshop space, now the bustling 92 Degrees coffee shop.
Photo (c) Pete Carr.
‘The Waiting’ by Anna Gillespie
Anna Gillespie is known for her figurative sculptures using found organic tree material. Later in 2017, ‘The Waiting’ explored a more alienated and urban human experience, inviting viewers to interpret the works from their own personal perspective.
Photo (c) Pete Carr.
‘Dipodiddy’ by Brian Fell
We began 2018 with Brian Fell’s work ‘Dipodiddy’ depicting a desert rat. Fell works mainly in steel, beating the metal by hand. This work was originally intended for Formby Beach but found its home in the Baltic Triangle.
Photo (c) Pete Carr.
‘A Warrior Implementing Peace’ by Andrew Edwards
In 2019, Andrew Edwards’ giant sculpture looked down on Jamaica Street. The figure represents will and purpose. It depicts a Mercian thane that is also part Saxon, Angle, Celt and Norse.
Photo (c) Pete Carr.
‘Bowland Hare’ by Marjan Wouda
For 2020, we welcomed this sculpture, inspired by the the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire. The work marked a departure for Marjan Wouda, who worked in large scale sheet metal, instead of her usual bronze for this piece.
Photo (c) Pete Carr.
‘Bob Marley’ by Andrew Edwards
2021 saw the installation of this 7ft tall statue of cultural icon, Bob Marley, as part of Positive Vibration Festival. The reggae festival returned in 2021 after a 2-year hiatus caused by COVID-19. After a turbulent and difficult time, the festival wanted to pay tribute to and inspire others with Marley’s message of love, hope and unity. The statue remained in place until early 2023.
Photo (c) Pete Carr.
‘The Reckoning’ by Rudy Loewe
Finally we arrive in 2023 with our current installation – ‘The Reckoning’ by Rudy Loewe. This large-scale piece was commissioned for Liverpool Biennial and supported by Liverpool One. It vividly portrays a moment of Black Power revolution in Trinidad and Tobago, enabling a direct conversation between the artwork, Liverpool’s prominent role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Britain’s colonisation of islands in the Caribbean.
Photo (c) Wesley Storey.
The McKeown Rice Exhibition Space has evolved into a dynamic showcase of creativity, resilience, and community spirit. Each artwork tells a unique story, contributing to the rich cultural landscape of the Baltic Triangle. As we continue to embrace the power of public art, the McKeown Rice Exhibition Space remains a testament to the legacy of Claire McKeown and Paul Rice, and the boundless potential of artistic expression in our city.
We look forward to celebrating 10 years of the plinth in 2024!
