Title
The Story of We
Description
Paintings, audio, and mixed media piece.
Inspired by the myth of katabasis - the journey of the hero to the underworld, often interpreted as the journey into the deepest recesses of the self, and by aspects of collaboration within this process.
Also inspired by an embodied experience of katabasis, of mine exploration, of real accounts of mining, and of mining restorers.
The piece came about as result of embodied research alongside Cumbrian mining society members whose practice involves conserving many old mining tunnels in Cumbria. The work is an immersive portrayal of what it feels like to spend time below ground, and also, what it is like to play a part in a restoration process, working with a close-knit team of friends over 7 years.
The looped audio contains an edited first-hand account by Warren Allison (Chairman of CATMHS - Cumbria Amenities Trust Mining Heritage Society) of the restoration of one particular mining tunnel. The 4 paintings were created using oil paints, made by Gamblin, produced from reclaimed minerals captured from mining run-off; and the 4.5 metre paper-cast freeze contains ghost impressions of key moments of the story, inflected with graphite and haematite powder (from Florence Mine, Egremont, Cumbria).
Inspired by the myth of katabasis - the journey of the hero to the underworld, often interpreted as the journey into the deepest recesses of the self, and by aspects of collaboration within this process.
Also inspired by an embodied experience of katabasis, of mine exploration, of real accounts of mining, and of mining restorers.
The piece came about as result of embodied research alongside Cumbrian mining society members whose practice involves conserving many old mining tunnels in Cumbria. The work is an immersive portrayal of what it feels like to spend time below ground, and also, what it is like to play a part in a restoration process, working with a close-knit team of friends over 7 years.
The looped audio contains an edited first-hand account by Warren Allison (Chairman of CATMHS - Cumbria Amenities Trust Mining Heritage Society) of the restoration of one particular mining tunnel. The 4 paintings were created using oil paints, made by Gamblin, produced from reclaimed minerals captured from mining run-off; and the 4.5 metre paper-cast freeze contains ghost impressions of key moments of the story, inflected with graphite and haematite powder (from Florence Mine, Egremont, Cumbria).
Location
Northumbria University Masters in Fine Art Degree Show, Gallery North, Newcastle, UK
Year
2022