S Mark Gubb

Ambition Is Critical
City Bus Station

S Mark Gubb’s work is born of an interest in text, language, translation, (mis)communication, cultural identity, mass- information and liminal spaces. A key inspiration for Mark’s new project was the poem ‘Ambition is Critical’ by Dave Hughes and he presents four banners each containing a rough translation of the phrase ‘Ambition is critical’, in the languages of Swansea’s current twin-towns. The translations have been done using an internet translation engine, a tool as likely to confuse communication as it is to aid it. As a statement and sentiment ‘Ambition is critical’ is both honest and ambiguous.
A broader context is leant by the site of the bus station, a point of departure or arrival; the first stop in a bold leap into the unknown or the place to greet a friendly stranger.