New Ground - Solo Exhibition
New Ground Fairhurst Gallery 14th October - 30th November 2016
A solo exhibition including a collection of new works made during a 12 month residency at Castlefield Gallery Agency's New Art Spaces in Greater Manchester.
I studied at Norwich University of the Arts with Tom and Dulcie Humphrey over a decade ago and so I was thrilled to collaborate with the Fairhurst Gallery on a solo exhibition New Ground. I have been working with natural earth and mineral pigments, organic waxes and gesso for a number of years and the New Art Spaces residency was an opportunity to re-visit the excitement that first drew me to the unique process that is constantly being developed and expanded. The time and space enabled me to concentrate on experimenting with the scale of my work and allowing new nuances to evolve and mature within my practice with interesting and surprising outcomes.
The parallels between the contemporary use of the gesso in my work and its use in an authentic process used in a historical context in the Fairhurst conservation and framing workshop dovetail interestingly with the restoration work that Fairhurst do and provides an insight into a beautiful material with distinguishing qualities.
It was great to hang out in the workshop with the Fairhurst team during the show and talk techniques and materials, old and new.
As part of the program an Artists talk and 'In Conversation' event was organised with Amanda Geitner, director of the East Anglian Art Fund and formerly Head of Collections at the SCVA. This was organised and hosted by the Fairhurst team and introduced by the founder of Contemporary British Painting - Robert Priseman.
Thanks to all the people, NUA students, collectors and friends who attended and supported the event, I'm told a capacity audience of 30 upwards is a fantastic turnout for a mid-week lunchtime talk!
Susan Gunn
In Conversation Artist talk Event
Date: 30th November 2016 12.00pm - 1.00pm
Speakers: Susan Gunn & Amanda Geitner, formerly Head of Collections at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts and Director of the East Anglian Art Fund
Preview: 13th October 2016 6.00-8.00pm
"Her work conjures notions of alchemy which is concerned with the transmutation of matter, a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation or combination. Her work is mesmerising and so interesting to observe over a period of time. The more you know the materials, the more fantastic it is. It’s the idea of control and chance and its that risk that is so impressive. I’m interested in artists who find an area of expertise and fascination over a period of time and continue to explore its possibilities."
Amanda Geitner
The opening of New Ground Exhibition 13th October 2016
Spiritus Venenatis 2016
PRESS: Eastern Daily Press Feature by Emma Knights, Arts correspondent