Art / print

‘I feel increasingly hopeful for equality and respect for all life and cultures globally’

By Lowie Trevena  Monday Mar 15, 2021

“My art installation is still growing but has huge names and also people from all walks of life,” says Elaine Robinson, the creator of SPOTtimespotTIME.

“The work involves collecting fingerprints and quotes both from public figures and the general public building a giant fingerprint.”

SPOTtimespotTIME is a touring work asking people to challenge their changing sense of identity.

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Conceived in March 2015 by Elaine, who lives in Clifton, the work tours the UK as the artist asks people from all walks of life to add their fingerprint to the project.

The fingerprints are used to represents relationships to each other and all life on earth.

“Time, opinion and fingerprints are often what can separate us, however paradoxically it is what unites us all when it really matters,” says Elaine.

“I started walking across cities from deprived social areas into a more economically enhanced area. I ask people how they feel about giving their fingerprint: documenting the changing landscape, exploring evolution, identity, feelings, touch and connection.

“Transcending difference and sitting equally is what drives my passion.”

People adding their prints in London in August 2020. Photo: Elaine Robinson

Once finished, the piece – which will consist of 20 panels of fingerprints and small satellite circles of prints to make a giant fingerprint – will hang in resin and be shown in a national exhibition. Quotes will also accompany the piece.

Many Bristol names have already taken part in SPOTtimespotTIME, including Lawrence Hoo, Tom Morris from the Bristol Old Vic, Nick Park and Peter Lord, the founders of Aardman, and even their creations Wallace and Gromit.

Beyond the city, Joanna Lumley, Dame Judi Dench, Caroline Lucas and Sebastian Coe have added their print, among many others.

Hohn and Viv Burton, two of the World Land Trust Founders, adding their fingerprints. Photo: Elaine Robinson

The artist, who lives with her two teenage daughters, hopes that SPOTtimespotTIME to be a piece that shows the togetherness of the human race in an increasingly divided time.

“Every time someone agrees to participate to this large art social document, I feel honoured that they make the time to contribute,” says Elaine. ‘

“When the general public, policy makers, activists, conservationists, NGOs, MPs, MEPs campaigners, and celebrities sit equally side everyone on one large artwork, I feel increasingly hopeful for equality and respect for all life and cultures globally.”

Main photo: Elaine Robinson

Read more: Fishponds artist sets up garden gallery

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