Byker Barcodes
Byker Barcodes captures everyday and overlooked features, patterns and detail found around Byker in Newcastle Upon Tyne; this imagery was turned into highly intricate and ornate barcodes for an installation in Byker Metro station from May 2013. The artwork reflects the complexity and constant state of change of our urban spaces whilst bringing into question the role public art often plays in oversimplifying what makes a place.
In March 2013, artists from rednile used a shop on Shields Road as a base to research and develop this a digital map of byker featuring hidden treasures. The artists consulted with local businesses and explored the area with community groups using Geocache treasure hunts.
Geocaching is a global outdoor treasure hunt. Players locate hidden containers (caches), using a smartphone or GPS device and can share their experiences online. Caches are often located in places which mean something to the owner, not tourist spots or main footpaths, so this allows for an alternative, personal experience in exploring places. The Byker groups found some local caches and also created their own, filled with objects, messages and photos then hidden for others to find in future.
Images, stories, memories and websites collected along the way have also been used by rednile to create the ‘Byker Barcodes.’ The artwork is interactive, embedded with QR codes which can be scanned by smartphones to take you to gems of information about Byker discovered during the project.
Funded and Supported by Nexus as part of Tyne and Wear's Art on Transport programme, Newcastle City Council and Arts Council England
In March 2013, artists from rednile used a shop on Shields Road as a base to research and develop this a digital map of byker featuring hidden treasures. The artists consulted with local businesses and explored the area with community groups using Geocache treasure hunts.
Geocaching is a global outdoor treasure hunt. Players locate hidden containers (caches), using a smartphone or GPS device and can share their experiences online. Caches are often located in places which mean something to the owner, not tourist spots or main footpaths, so this allows for an alternative, personal experience in exploring places. The Byker groups found some local caches and also created their own, filled with objects, messages and photos then hidden for others to find in future.
Images, stories, memories and websites collected along the way have also been used by rednile to create the ‘Byker Barcodes.’ The artwork is interactive, embedded with QR codes which can be scanned by smartphones to take you to gems of information about Byker discovered during the project.
Funded and Supported by Nexus as part of Tyne and Wear's Art on Transport programme, Newcastle City Council and Arts Council England
