A huge installation of Boris Johnson, created using hundreds of recycled t-shirts, is on display at Manchester Art Fair, which is taking place at Manchester Central this weekend, 19-21 November.

The imposing 30-metre image, known as ‘#wakeupborisblanket’, aims to challenge the Prime Minister to address the 206 tonnes of textile waste produced in the UK every year.

Created using clothing donated by sustainable fashion brand, Eileen Fischer, the ‘political punk rebellion textile installation’ is the work of four final year students from Manchester School of Art and Manchester Fashion Institute: Amy Ferrier, George Hood, Joe Taylor and Zoe Ward. The students are urging the government to tackle the impact of fast fashion on climate change and address the lack of production laws.

The ‘#wakeupborisblanketfeatures alongside the work of world famous artists such as Banksy, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, LS Lowry, Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, as it makes an impact at Manchester Art Fair, sponsored by White Circle interior design.

Speaking on the installation going on display at Manchester Art Fair, Amy Ferrier, one of the students behind the piece, said: As a collective, we created the ‘#wakeupborisblanketto make a bold statement about the environmental impact of fast fashion and to challenge those in power to tackle the issue.

We’re incredibly proud to be a part of the artistic community at Manchester Art Fair and it’s absolutely amazing to see our work in situ, towering above everything in such a huge venue.

Sophie Helm, Director at Manchester Art Fair, said: Manchester Art Fair is committed to providing a platform toshowcase the work of many different artists, from the emerging talent behind the ‘#wakeupborisblanketto world famous names such as Andy Warhol, Banksy and Salvador Dali.

We’re thrilled to have such a powerful installation on display at this year’s fair and I’m sure it will certainly spark debate on the issue.”

Spearheading the city’s cultural bounceback, Manchester Art Fair features work from over 500 artists. During the weekend event, crypto art experts will join together to demystify the hot topic of NFTs (non-fungible tokens), as the digital movement shaking up the art world comes under the spotlight.  

Manchester Art Fair, sponsored by White Circle, is one of the UK’s most ambitious art fairs, selling modern & contemporary paintings, sculpture, photography and editionedprints from a selection of UK and international galleries and artists.

The fair opens with a launch night at Manchester Central on Friday 19 November from 5-9pm, followed by public days on Saturday (10am-6pm) and Sunday (10am – 4pm). Tickets are available now at manchesterartfair.co.uk

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