We won’t blame you if you’ve not spotted this one yet. It took us some time to notice. There’s so many exciting and magical things to explore at The Custard Factory, from crazy golf courses to cool cocktail bars.The last thing we’re often doing is looking upwards, least of all at the roof. But you might want to look up next time you’re in the area.
The Digbeth estate is now the home of a new, neon art piece by artist and activist Hilary Jack. She has taken a quote directly from the American aviator Amelia Earhart and put it in an 8 x 9 metre neon text piece. In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her love of flying was her own downfall, however. She tragically disappeared in 1937 attempting to circumnavigate the globe.
Her words, “No borders just horizons only freedom,” presumably refer to freedom she felt flying. Although we have struggled to confirm her ever having said these words. In their new context, however, Hilary Jack hopes these words may take on new meaning in the current political climate.
“Her quote resonates in the politics of today and can be read through a contemporary political lens referencing the turbulent times in which we live, regarding the politics of place, physical boundaries, personal ambitions and freedom,’ said Hilary Jack. She is a Manchester-based artist who has exhibited across the UK and internationally. This is the second UK edition of No Borders, with another also currently on display at Yorkshire Sculpture Park.