2/7/2004
Laura Daly
ArtSway, Sway
Trail. ArtSway is delighted to present an exhibition of new work by Laura Daly who has been developing site specific research over the last few months. Taking the landscape of the New Forest and its ancient folklore as the basis for her investigations, Laura Daly has conducted research into the mythological character 'Laurence' - a notorious will-o'-the-wisp and inhabitant of local bogs and heaths.
TRAIL
ArtSway is delighted to present an exhibition of new work by Laura Daly who has been developing site specific research over the last few months.
Taking the landscape of the New Forest and its ancient folklore as the basis for her investigations, Laura Daly has conducted research into the mythological character 'Laurence' - a notorious will-o'-the-wisp and inhabitant of local bogs and heaths. Gathering opinion through formal methods of investigation such as observation and speculation, using historical texts, old maps and interviews, significant sites have been discovered that point to a new location for Laurence and provide the basis of a filmed tour.
By using 3600 panoramic photographs to document the original sites and reflect their layout and form, Daly gives the investigation a grounding in factual observation. The film is speculative, presenting a two screen installation that reveals both aspects of 'looking' and being 'looked for' with projections placed in oppostion. Searching through space to detect activity, the viewer will then mirror the on screen narrative. Reinforcing the plausability of the project, the work is authenticated by the inclusion of various supporting materials, including maps, found images and documents, collected during research.
Playing with the notion of hiding and searching by creating a trail, the route will also be available on handouts, suggesting the audience explore the outside space and continue the work beyond the gallery context. Following a series of clues, by setting up and proposing this dialogue between audience and content 'Trail' alters the traditional role of the audience as they are encouraged to question their own defined concepts of space.
Laura Daly was artist in residence at ArtSway during April and May 04 as part of the Pro[duction] residency scheme funded by Arts Council England.
Laura Daly has exhibited both in the UK and abroad, she was the prize winner in BT New Contemporaries (1993-94). Previous exhibitions include 'Sleeping', 2001, film screening, Hochschule fuer Gestaltung und Kunst, Zurich, Switzerland; Untitled painting installation, 'Generation X', 1996, Manchester. She currently has work in Re:Thinking Time, Peterborough and is undertaking a Phd at Goldsmiths College, University of London.
Reception for the artist: Saturday 3 July 2pm - 4pm
For further information and images contact ArtSway on 01590 682260
ArtSway is the contemporary visual arts venue in the New Forest facilitating the development of new work by artists and offering creative opportunities for audiences.
ArtSway
Station Road
Sway