New artwork installation
begins in Kings Hill

A cultural partnership between the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), Turner Contemporary, Liberty Property Trust, and Kent County Council (KCC) culminates in the installation of a major new piece of public art in Kings Hill, near West Malling in Kent.

31 Jan 2024

Named ‘Slices of Peace’, the artwork consists of a giant multicoloured apple, flanked by two smaller apples – made from laser cut, powder coated steel – and was commissioned by the partners to British-Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori, MBE, who was appointed as Artist in Residence in Kings Hill in 2021.

The larger apple is more than 5m in diameter to accommodate people inside it, and the smaller apples are 700mm in diameter. A soundscape by artist Peter Adjaye, which was the outcome of choral workshops attended by the community, will be inside the giant apple

The artwork is being installed in Orchard Park, Kings Hill’s new public park, and will serve as a meeting point for the community. 

_{Yinka Ilori, Kings Hill Artist in Residence}

“Bringing people and communities together is something I am passionate about and aspire to do through all of my work, which is why I am excited to bring ‘Slices of Peace’ to Kings Hill,” said Yinka Ilori. 

“This installation is inspired by the rich culture and heritage of Kent, in particular its history of apple growing. Community is at the heart of this installation, and I hope it brings a ‘slice of peace’ to those visiting, offering them a place to wander, reflect, and meditate within the park.”

A collective of students and alumni from UCA, AtelierUCA, supported the development and delivery of Yinka Ilori’s commission. This involved them in a variety of tasks, which included curation of the accompanying exhibition, assisting with the community workshops, working with Yinka to produce a site model in his studio, and the design of the corresponding publication.

The exhibition we feature key artefacts and outputs that represent some of the project and its development. These include the community textile from the stitching workshop, a timeline of key photographs and drawings from across the project, and an interview with Yinka Ilori himself.

Daniel Tollady, Stage One Convenor at UCA Canterbury, said:  "Slices of Peace gave UCA’s students and alumni an opportunity to explore new ideas and learn new skills for supporting their studies, future practices, and their eventual careers. It’s also given them a rich experience that will have a lasting impact on their professional careers."

_{The Control Tower Gallery, Kings Hill.}

Caroline Binns of Kings Hill developer Liberty Property Trust said: “Public art has always been a vital part of our placemaking in Kings Hill. Over the years we have commissioned numerous sculptures for prominent sites to encourage pride and attachment to the area. As the village nears completion, ‘Slices of Peace’ will be the final significant public art commission to be installed in Kings Hill, providing a lasting legacy for the community.”   

The finished work and the accompanying exhibition and publication, which are both being produced by UCA, will launch this Spring 2024.