A five-metre high, multi-coloured artwork celebrating Kent’s agricultural heritage has been unveiled in Kings Hill, near West Malling.
The artwork, titled ‘Slices of Peace’, is the creation of renowned British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori MBE. It has been installed in the community’s latest public open space, Orchard Park.
‘Slices of Peace’ is the culmination of Ilori’s tenure as Kings Hill’s artist in residence. A multi-sensory piece of work, it comprises one giant apple, flanked by two smaller apples, as well as a soundtrack by sound artist Peter Adjaye.
The artwork was developed in conjunction with staff from Turner Contemporary, students and alumni from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) – a collective known as AtelierUCA – and Kings Hill residents, who took part in a series of community workshops.
The opening event on Friday, 12 April gave the Kings Hill community the opportunity to meet the two artists, as well as representatives of the organisations that partnered on the project.
In addition to the artwork, attendees were able to view an exhibition by UCA students in the Kings Hill Control Tower Gallery.
Yinka Ilori said: “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.
“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.”
Andrew Blevins of Kings Hill developer Liberty Property Trust said: “This sculpture is the culmination of a 30-year development project between us and Kent County Council to transform an 800-acre brownfield site – the former RAF West Malling airfield – into the vibrant Kings Hill we have today.
“Public art has been central to our philosophy right from the beginning, helping to forge an identity for the evolving community and instilling a sense of pride in the area.
“As Kings Hill nears completion, ‘Slices of Peace’ helps represent all that has been achieved and the vision of the people who originally conceived of this community.”
