Starman Overhead

A large outline of a dog's head with ears erect and mouth open can be seen overlaying a street map with building outlines and dotted lines. Above and to the right is the figure of a man flying toward the left with hands outstretched and feet apart. The figure is stretched horizontal and is covered except for the hands, forearms and eyes. His head is turned toward the front and there are stars interspersed along his lower section. This work was first shown in his solo exhibition, "Fiction" at Zemicon Gallery, the first introduction to what is now known as "The Neighbourhood Project" where maps were a prominent feature, integrating the introduction of place and "people". This piece introduces "Starman", flying above a bird's-eye view map of the neighbourhood to which he belongs. Atkinson developed The Neighbourhood Project through a digital artwork / ethnographic archive of the people, places and paradoxes that reside within. In this, he describes "Starman" as: "Although quite visible in all existing research material, Starman seems to remain unseen by Neighbourhood Residents. It is understood that he is not native to the area, and has been known to travel (to the island nation Barbados in particular). A builder at heart, and a purported thief, Starman seeks locations to erect a "'Wigwam to Wind-up the Moon"'. These structures are documented, but their purpose is unknown and they seem to be impermanent, not built to last."