The Rising Sun (Unknown, 2014)

'The Rising Sun'

Unknown, 2014. Entrance to Arnold's Passage, Fore Street.

The Rising Sun is an elegant artwork in celebration of Bodmin's rich history. A reflective piece, here the placing of the artwork over the entrance to Arnold's Passage is highly symbolic. Bodmin's John Arnold (1736-1799) was a watchmaker to King George III, and was a master craftsman, an artist of the highest calibre. This is something which our unknown artist obviously aspires to, and clearly channels exquisitely through his work. 

The subject of time is playfully examined here. The old fashioned concept of timepieces is discarded, time here becomes a sun, magnificently rising. In this the artist notes the transient nature of time, and hints at the immortality of Art. 

The sun rises over a crown, which is high with symbolism – It is not only a hint of John Arnold's link to George III, but the crown itself appears to be constructed from the word 'Swag', which is a social comment upon the nature of the monarchy and aristocracy today. The artist begs us to ask 'have things changed so much since the 1790's after all?' 

The fish leaping up beside the crown reflects Arnold's complex marine timepieces. Yet the attempt of the fish to leap from the water above the crown signifies the struggle of the artist or working man to rise up through society. However the fish is made of downward pointing arrows, hinting that the struggle will most likely be in vain – yet throughout time and history, the artist lives on through his art. 

I think we can be certain that this artist will be remembered for this magnificent piece for many generations to come.