Collection - Rigo 23

Portuguese born Rigo 23 is the name the artist, Ricardo Gouveia adopted as a teenager in high school when he was involved in producing a controversial publication. Rigo 23 makes simple interventions in public space, which are designed to draw attention to aspects of everyday life, which are often crowded out by the billboards and advertisements. In the past he has made large scale 'signposts' using bold graphics of just one or two words to point to something that is right under our noses - a sign pointing to the sky, for example.

As part of the Liverpool Biennial exhibition in 2006 Rigo 23 was invited to Liverpool to create new work for the city. Taking inspiration from John Lennon, Rigo chose to display his work at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. By simply quoting the lyrics from John Lennon's songs, the artist confronts us with their message in a new highly visible form. The piece reminds us of John Lennon's significance as a spokesperson for a better world,and his continued relevance today.

Extracts from the songs have been installed in different coloured lettering above the check-in area, arrivals area and featured temporarily on the glass facade of the terminal building. The quotes are taken from the Lennon songs Give Peace a Chance, Imagine, Well Well Well, Give Me Some Truth and Bring on the Lucie.

The artwork engages with the current political climate and was especially commissioned as a partnership between Liverpool Biennial and John Lennon Airport. Rigo 23 is based in San Francisco, and this commission adds to the airport's unique ambition to be a destination for international art in its own right.