Sunflowers begin to bloom to show solidarity with Ukraine

On a recent morning, a Ukrainian woman who has lived in Bristol for several years thanked the artist who has planted 100 sunflowers to show solidarity with her homeland and its people.

The latest public artwork by Duncan McKellar is located on a small patch of grass on the Park Street side of City Hall.

The sunflowers which were planted at the beginning of June are now beginning to bloom, thanks to members of the public who have helped with watering.

“It’s been a labour-intensive yet very rewarding activity,” Duncan told Bristol24/7 after retrieving two watering cans from his car.

“The piece is primarily showing solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainians in Bristol.”

Duncan McKellar has become a sunflower expert during the course of this summer – photo: Martin Booth

“Many Ukrainians now living in Bristol have stopped by to say thank you and I have received help watering from both Ukrainians and Russians who are living in Bristol,” said Duncan.

“The artwork also involves sunlight, the passage of time, the colour yellow and bringing nature into the city which are all elements I’ve incorporated into previous artworks.”

McKellar has previously used yellow scaffolding poles to create sculptures including in Castle Park outside the former Norwich Union building.

He said he likes to make things “which are both positive and poignant. I think this does both.”

The tallest sunflower has grown to nine-feet – photo: Martin Booth

Even though the location at the bottom of Park Street is not ideal, with hard ground and in shadow for most of the day, Duncan said “it is, however, fantastic for visibility and for spreading awareness”.

“It has been wonderful watching the flowers grow and seeing the public engagement.

“The location is also opposite the most famous Bansky in Bristol which is appropriate as both artworks were made on council property with no prior permission being granted.

“Sunflowers are also a well-known and often-used motif in art and the subject of one of the world’s most famous paintings.

“I hope the piece brings a contemporary element to the street art community in Bristol by introducing new techniques and materials yet maintaining a spirit of mischievousness.”

Main photo: Martin Booth

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