Graham
Dolphin created a new drawing based his experience of taking part in
the 2004 BUPA Great North Run. Using a simple visual form, focusing on
the idea of repetition, quiet reflection and the lone journey, he
created an A1 drawing of straight lines, each line representing a single
step that he took to complete the run.
These
tightly compacted lines move across the page from left to right, each
mile delineated by changing the grade of pencil used. There is a
meditative quality to the repetition of these simple lines, and they
remind us of the runner focusing on the arduous task of placing one foot
in front of the other, to just keep on going. Every mile travelled is
marked by a change in pencil grade, so the drawing becomes darker as the
soft grey lines snake across the page. By the end of the run, the lines
are thick and heavy, emulating the slower, exhausted footsteps taken by
the runner.
Despite its quiet minimalism, 20593 Lines, 20,593 Steps, 13.1 Miles demands
attention. You want to get close, inspect each line, almost tempted to
count every one of them to make sure he hasn’t missed out a step. The
dedication and single-mindedness apparent in this work recalls that of
the runners who participate every year, each focusing on placing one
foot in front of the other.
20,593 Lines, 20,593 Steps, 13.1 Miles was displayed in the
window of Fenwick in Newcastle and a postcard of this unique work of
art was given to each participant in the BUPA
Great North Run.
