The Character 'DrBird' is performing with reconstructed machines, objects and sets that are relocated to where the original painting/drawings were painted. These paintings/drawings are based on collection pieces at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.
The work plays with function and properties of both the painting and machine as well presenting the viewer a reworked history. With original sites in the Victorian period would of seen heavy industrial action, are now seen as idyllic locations.
Often the constructed machines fail to function and often fall apart. The constructed machines are also produced to look like a prop or set. Both of these aspects are questioning the very structure and system that were in place when painting and deciding a composition of a painting. This mirroring the downturn in both machine and industry.
The work is intended to question the very notion of romanticism and what that is. It questions our need for a romantic image and the need to attain these images and dreams, as well as hinting towards a dark undertone of a working landscape that is now washed over as nature has taken over. The last part of the film feature an industrial landscape, of Ecton Hill, an old copper mine. Back in its day the landscape would of been black with smoke and not so idyllic, it was here that James Watt and Matthew Bolton tested the steam engining and remains one of the early examples of their work.
The work stemmed from a two week residency at Wolverhampton Art Gallery through New Art West Midlands, and was curated by Jane Morrow and project managed by Nicola Shipley.
The work featured a publication entitled 'Conquering Clouds' and an edition of 10 ceramic sculptures seem below (sold out). The publication features writings from Anneka French, Anna Falcini, John Barnatt. Photographs by Glen Stoker. Filmed by Andrew Branscombe and Glen Stoker
Publications and Photographs available.
Photographs by Glen stoker. Camera Crew: Andrew Brandscombe and Glen Stoker
Exhibition photographs by David Bethell