Looking Out Facing In Public Art Launch 2009

A work of art celebrating the mining heritage and ongoing regeneration of a North-East city was unveiled on Thursday 25th June. The semi-transparent steel sculpture of two human heads – one facing inwards and one looking out – has been built around a pair of gas vents which ventilate the former Wearmouth Colliery mine workings, in Sunderland and was created by German artists Wolfgang Winter and Berthold Hörbelt.

The work, called Looking out, Facing in, has been installed next to the Sunderland Aquatic Centre and the Stadium of Light It is based on Janus, the Roman god of doorways, who has come to represent looking to the future while remaining mindful of the past.

Amanda Drago and Kit Haigh were commissioned by Sunderland City Council to create a unique performance for the unveiling of the sculptures. The piece was performed by dancers Wayne Summerbell and Rebekah Waters.