Giant Sea Anemone Goes On Display In Chiswick

A multicoloured sculpture which is part of a Discovery channel art competition

An enormous, multi-coloured sea anemone has been attracting a good deal of attention at the Discovery broadcaster’s headquarters in Chiswick Park.

The work is a sculpture by art student Mimi Winsor, and was unveiled this week as part of the channel's work to showcase up-and-coming artists by running a competition in partnership with Chelsea College of Art and Design.

Mimi with Dee Forbes, President MD Discovery Western Europe

Mimi was one of four students who each won the chance to create and exhibit their work on the theme of ‘Igniting Curiosity’, a reference to the type of programmes broadcast by the channel, which has its European headquarters in Chiswick.

The Sea Anemone is the final piece to go on display at Discovery House. Mimi Winsor, who recently graduated with a first class degree, said the sculpture represents the idea of looking into a rock pool.

“Discovery explores the vast world around us and my inspiration comes from the smaller world found within this; a microcosm hidden underwater, contained in a rock pool. It is my aim that this lively sculpture ignites curiosity and fills onlookers with a nostalgic excitement” she said.

Mimi with John Honeycutt, EVP and COO Discovery Networks International

The four winners, whose work has been displayed in rotation on a quarterly basis, were chosen from over 100 second year students for art that is 'inspiring, imaginative and engaging'. It has been such a success that the contest will return for a second year.

“I’d like to congratulate the winners of the Discovery student art contest as we unveil the final installation. In launching the scheme we laid down the challenge to up-and-coming artists to ignite our curiosity through art and have been inspired by each of the winning designs that demonstrate exceptional creativity and talent,” said John Honeycutt, EVP & Chief Operating Officer, Discovery Networks International.

 The work of the selected students has reflected the diversity of approaches on the Fine Art course at Chelsea, from interactive objects, photographic installation to sculpture”, said Martin Newth, Programme Director BA Fine Art, Chelsea College of Art and Design. “ As well as the skills and knowledge that the BA Fine Art course aims to provide students, confidence is perhaps the most important thing a student gains from their time with us. Nothing helps instill a sense confidence more that the experience of making something that has a positive impact in the world beyond the protective environment of the college.”

Other works have included Magnitude by Emma Cahill, constructed from plastic toys and Perspex shelves, aiming to stimulate the excitement of discovery; Narcissus by Edward Alderwick, a photo showing a huge wave crashing over the artist himself, exploring the fascination that people have with their own image; and Musical Endangered Butterfly Wall by He Huang, a wall of 1,000 handmade paper butterflies and music boxes.

Discovery Communications has more than 1.7 billion cumulative subscribers in over 200 countries and territories.

For more information please visit www.discoverycommunications.com .

July 3, 2013