I'm not all sweet

Today Henry Driver's fluorescent sculpture has been placed at the Corn Exchange, a building whose purpose has shifted over the years, in parallel with changes in the agricultural industries. The response has been written by Ed Arantus. 

You watched me under the microscope; I know you did
With a snake eye glance like I've never seen, you took me in
Like a petri, parcel, package, like a dream
You didn’t notice my beauty, no connection, and I
Wasn't looking for you to rescue me
I wondered just which part of me you wanted
I hope you realize I’m not all sweet, all things nice, with spice
 
You see me under glass, all made up, your fantasy
And it's the lazy way, I’m more than a money tree
Because even white snow fades
Like dirty socks, don’t throw me away
I’m not just a pretty cross section
All torn out, worn and left behind
So I won't be sad if you change your mind  

Ed Arantus

Henry Driver works at the intersection of art and technology. A commission for a permanent work for Cressing Temple Barns by Essex County Council in 2019 demonstrated his interest in organic forms and changing agricultural practices. He has exhibited widely internationally and in galleries in the UK included Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool, the Barbican and The Whitechapel Gallery. Most recently he was selected by leading curators as one of the top fifteen young artists working in the UK, for the Kleinwort Hambros Emerging Artists Prize 2019. www.henrydriverartist.com; Twitter @henrydriver_; Instagram @henrydriver_

Ed Arantus is a conceptual artist and writer. He published his first work in the Censored Zine in 2010 and has exhibited his work ever since at venues like the Contemporary Arts Research Unit in Oxford and the Museum of Futures in Surbiton. https://edarantus.blogspot.com; Instagram @edarantus