Blackler created a beautifully crafted waterwheel for this project which, as the river turned it, powered a gramophone. The gramophone scratchily played a Celine Dion record, cheekily connecting her to the legend of the Sirens; the legend on which this project was based. The Greek myth of the Sirens speaks of women with irresistible voices luring sailors to be shipwrecked on the rocks of their island. Blackler humorously draws a comparison with this story and Celine Dion's rendition of My Heart Will Go On, which will, since the 1997 blockbuster, also forever be linked with the sinking of a ship.
The sound of the record faintly reached the banks of the river meaning that as the wind blew, snatches of the sound could be heard, adding to the haunting nature of this piece.
Blackler wrote in his proposal for the project "It is hoped that this piece will degrade over the period and maybe Celine will finally take her place in the bottom of Cardiff Bay." Due to excessive flooding part way through the week Blackler's piece did indeed meet this sad fate and his story of the Sirens was complete.
Blackler's exhibition slot was from Friday 5th - Friday 12th June 2009. Please click on Artists' Profiles for more information about his practice and a link to his website.