International artist returns to Liverpool for Wolstenholme Sq project

Contemporary artist Jorge Pardo, the man behind the Penelope installation outside Liverpool’s Kazimier gig venue, has returned to the city.

The Cuban-born artist signed a deal with developer Elliot Group to deliver designs for the upcoming transformation of Wolstenholme Square.

Elliot Lawless, the group’s managing director, said: “Jorge is a one-off. Completely original and great fun.

“We want him to bring his playfulness to the design of the square’s furniture and reinforce it as a destination for visitors and locals alike.”

He added: “This will be no ordinary development and teaming up with Jorge is part of our commitment in that regard.”

As part of the Wolstenholme Square project, Jorge will oversee refurbishment efforts on the Penelope sculpture, which was named after his daughter, and help with the designs for street furniture in the £40m development.

Upon arriving in the city, Jorge commented: “Liverpool has an edginess that spawns great creativity and I love coming here.

“Penelope is very special to me and, whilst she’s been well-looked after she needs a bit of a make-over and it’s fitting that I oversee it.”

He continued: “The Wolstenholme Square redevelopment will provide a much more exciting and contemporary backdrop to the sculpture and I wanted to ensure that the opportunity to add some additional creativity to the setting wasn’t lost.

“You’ll just have to wait and see what I’m planning, however.”

Work on the scheme, which will turn a series of 1950s warehouses into four mixed-use blocks, is set to begin in Spring 2016.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →