Striking face of football hits the Big Screen

A giant ‘Argyle Man’ representing the face of Plymouth's beloved football club is set to knock Sir Joshua Reynolds off the city's Big Screen.

The striking painting by Woolwell artist Steve Clement-Large has been chosen by city retailers as the next piece of artwork to grace the south-facing side of the screen.

It will go on show next week as part of the Big Blueprint Project designed to put art in the heart of the city centre by showcasing works from local collections as well as contemporary pieces.

Retailers chose the painting from four pieces of art shortlisted by judges from Plymouth City Council’s Arts Unit, the City Museum and Art Gallery, City Centre Company and the BBC.

In his submission the artist says: Argyle, with its chequered recent history on and off the pitch, can be seen as a metaphor for the city. Major developments are mixed with setbacks – but support for Argyle continues regardless of their fortunes.

"As an outsider (originally) I am always impressed with the pride people have and express in our beautiful city and at the same time bemused and amused by the ‘verbal kicking’ Plymouth residents also give to decision makers (national and local) when they see fit  and the open disagreements with each other about how our city should develop.  It’s not a million miles from similar debates about PAFC."

Councillor Peter Brookshaw, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, said: "I think this painting is going to prove a huge talking point in the city with divided opinions being kicked about like the proverbial football.

"At least I do hope so because some of the best modern art is often highly controversial, sparking public debate and stoking community involvement. With the World Cup bid at the forefront of our minds, there couldn’t be a better time to bring a touch of green and white to the back of the Big Screen!"

Argyle Man will be on display until October when retailers will choose another historic image for the screen.

The painting is one in a series combining tribal masks with contemporary clothing - in this case an Argyle club shirt. The artist says he hopes it will "make people smile".

13 July 2010