"Will it float?" - that's the question a Southampton artist is asking at the launch of a "fun and inventive" exhibition tonight. 

Artist Kane Applegate will attempt to ride a kayak modified with wheels down Old Northam Road at 6pm tonight, all streamed live on YouTube. 

Daily Echo: Artist Kane Applegate ahead of his 'Will it float?" exhibition on Old Northam Road starting 2/4/21 with 'A space' arts Artist Kane Applegate ahead of his 'Will it float?" exhibition on Old Northam Road starting 2/4/21 with 'A space' arts

This will be the launch of an exhibition named 'Will It Float?", which will see Kane artistically reshaping the vessel every week for six weeks.

On his inspiration, Kane said: "I'm wondering how far I can take the boat artistically before cracks appear in its functionality."

The exhibition, held by organisation 'A Space', known for transforming abandoned Southampton buildings into art exhibition spaces, will explore ideas of displacement, motion and transformation.

The piece will be viewable through the window of The Hidden Wardrobe on Old Northam Road from April 2 - May 16, though access to the building will not be allowed due to COVID restrictions. 

Daily Echo: Old Northam Road, Southampton (Google Maps)Old Northam Road, Southampton (Google Maps)

On his work, Kane said: "This will give me a chance to try live art, trying to make it more fun for me and the viewers.

"Also, I get to play for six more weeks and keep evolving the sculpture each time. And to round it off, to see if it actually floats!”

This means at the end of its six-week transformation, the artist will test whether despite all that's been done to it, the boat still floats!

Creative Programmer for ‘A Space’ arts and the RIPE programme (graduate art programme for Southampton-based art students) Mia Delve said: "Kane’s work is fun and inventive."

"This exhibition will showcase not only Kane’s playful approach but also the environment the work has been made for - Old Northam Road, where Kane’s studio is currently based, and which is a fascinating part of Southampton.”

Watch the virtual launch at 6pm tonight (April 2) on the 'A Space' YouTube channel.