Neil Greenhalgh
On Yer Marks
This installation recreates the experience of a typical fell race registration HQ.
Viewers are invited to participate in the work by registering their intention to race and getting themselves to the summit of the nearby Winter Hill as soon as they are able. The overall winner of the race is the person who arrives at the trig point first and is rewarded with a bespoke trophy in the form of an original oil painting of Winter Hill trig point.
I am drawn to the DIY aesthetics of grassroots, community-led fell races, where signage is often hand-painted, and there is no need for professional graphic design. Fell races are usually very cheap to enter and are not for profit. They rely on volunteers and enthusiastic people who are there to pursue their hobbies. Ideally followed by a well-earned pint of beer in the pub, of course.
