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’s in Newcastle and a postcard of this unique work of art was given away in the goody bag of each participant in the BUPA Great North Run.

Artist Graham Dolphin is best known for his appropriation of images, objects and icons from the fashion and music industries, revising, duplicating and altering photographs of Kate Moss, copies of Vogue magazine, covers of The Beatles’ White Album, the lyrics of The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds. Based just outside Gateshead, Dolphin’s work has recently been shown in New York, Madrid, Chicago, Newcastle and London, with his reputation attracting commissions from luxury fashion houses Boudicca and Loewe. Recent shows include Baltic, Gateshed, and Seventeen, London.