A Study of Imaginary Chasms

I exhibited some pieces of work in an exhibition curated by Lungs Project in collaboration with Gosforth Civic Theatre.

(Description taken from exhibition booklet produced by Lungs Project)

“A cross-disciplinary group exhibition developed in collaboration with Gosforth Civic Theatre. “A Study of Imaginary Chasms” brings together the work of three female visual artists; Ella Ray Barnes, Fang Qi, and Jill Tate all of who are connected to the North East through unique pathways. The exhibition thematically responds to “The Class Project”, a one-woman play written and performed by Rebecca Atkinson-Lord.”

“The series of works featured in the exhibition correspond to the overlapping anecdotes within  “The Class Project”. Each artist’s body of work expands on the themes underpinning the play, presenting personal commentaries on identity, home and belonging as embedded within historical, socio-economical and contemporary narratives. The exhibition is conceived as a reflective study of the power dynamics which drive a wedge between individuals and communities within the U.K. It aims to examine the dominant narratives influencing our public and personal relations. In doing so; it wishes to reveal the cultural judgement systems which shape and maintain social stratification, dividing us into our economic class, regional identity, and status, creating “imaginary” chasms often seem impossible to overcome.”

The North-East Miners, 2016

‘The North-East Miners’ series respond to the historical narratives of the Thatcher era. As a young Sunderland-born woman, Barnes intended to resurrect the emotive qualities of her past experiences of local documentary photography which focused on post-industrial mining themes. The images in the series explore the efficacy of Miners’ Strike of 1984-85, and the socio-economic impact pit closures had on miners, their families and wider communities. The series focuses on the consequences of these events and is intended as a tribute to those who were affected. Within these images, Barnes pays particular attention to conveying a sense of honesty and ‘grit’ in presenting a style of speech which was true t the area. This style might resonate with those who had experienced the era’s ups and downs first-hand or indirectly as a part of the legacy of today’s East Durham social landscape. 

I feel really proud to have been involved in this exhibition, and feel it was a great platform for that series of work to be shown. On reflection of the exhibition, I'd like to revisit this project. It's a project I'm passionate about and really enjoyed working on originally, I still feel like there's so much more work I could make in relation to it.