 + Newlyn
Art Gallery |
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A show that presents the death and decay of the natural world.
+ The
exhibition is rather like the remains from an archeological
dig.
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Harriet Bell
is a collector, which is evident from the specimens she has gathered
and arranged within the gallery space.
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Work in
the Lower Gallery |
Materials such
as stones, dried roots held inside milkbottles, empty eggshells,
wiry stalks and folded cloth, are all examples from her collections.
These specimens represent the death and decay of the natural world.
Like the remains from an archeological dig, the exhibition feels
rather archaic.
The exhibition reminded me of old museum archives, of drawers that
are brimming with specimens all held under a single pin in categorical
lines.
The Lower Gallery displays Bell's works on paper. Like the forensic
trace of plant or animal life, stains and etchings are covered with
ill-fitting pieces of glass.
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Delicate
works in Upper Gallery |
On entering
the Upper Gallery, the room had an undeniable stillness.
Specimens are balanced on sheets of glass and covered with muslin.
To add to the already delicate display, the twig-like table legs
which hold these specimens, look almost as if they could fall at
any moment.
Rather like
a botanist uses specimens for scientific experiments, Bell then
selectively displays her findings.
The exhibition seems to serve as a celebration of the ever-changing
cycle of life. Absence, presence, death and decay, growth and metamorphosis.
* exhibition continues until 23 February
Events:
Paper Making
Saturday 2 February
10-5pm - Work with a local artist to learn the art of paper making
using a range of natural and man-made materials. Fee £12
Half term activities for 5-10 year olds:
Pulp Action
Wednesday 20 February
10-12 noon
Decorative Designs Thursday 20 February
10-12 noon
(younger children must be accompanied by an adult.)
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