13/10/2006
ArtSway
ArtSway, Sway
In "Aggregate", Shovlin muddies the boundaries between authoritative systems of knowledge such as Darwin’s theory of evolution, and apparently inconsequential ways of making sense of the world such as jigsaw puzzles and amateur bird watching.
Aggregate
ArtSway is pleased to be hosting Aggregate, a major touring exhibition of work by
Jamie Shovlin, a contemporary visual artist with a growing reputation for innovative
and unique work. Shovlin has increasingly been recognised by a range of national
and international institutions as well as a host of critics and writers and has
recently exhibited in Beck’s Futures 2006, Institute of Contemporary Arts, London,
and the Art Now Space at Tate Britain, London. Aggregate brings together a series
of new works commissioned by four UK venues: The City Gallery, Leicester; ArtSway,
New Forest; Talbot Rice Gallery, University of Edinburgh; and Hatton Gallery,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Shovlin is known for taking a hybrid approach to his work that allows him to act as
artist, researcher, archivist, and curator in works such as the Naomi V. Jelish
project (2001-2004) which has been acquired for the Saatchi Collection. In
Aggregate, Shovlin muddies the boundaries between authoritative systems of knowledge
such as Darwin’s theory of evolution, and apparently inconsequential ways of making
sense of the world such as jigsaw puzzles and amateur bird watching. These small
hobbies and pastimes are re-framed by the artist as small exercises in control and
order; in The Birds in her Garden (2006), the artist draws together his mother’s
daily observations about garden birds with illustrative and textual examples culled
from the long history of ornithological illustration and taxonomy.
Recent solo exhibitions include Lustfaust: A Folk Anthology 1976-1981 at Freight +
Volume, New York and Fontana Modern Masters at Riflemaker, London.
Note: ArtSway will cover reasonable expenses for travel from writers and critics who
have either been commissioned by a publication/journal and/or are considering a
speculative piece about the gallery or exhibition.
Exhibition Related Events
Free Coach from London for Exhibition Opening, 14 October 2006, 11:30am from Tate
Britain, Millbank
We would be delighted to welcome visitors from London to the opening of this
exhibition and artist’s reception and have provided some free transport to the New
Forest. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided, before returning to London
for the early evening. Booking in advance essential, Free
Gallery Talk and Book Launch: Saturday 28 October, 2pm
Join artist Jamie Shovlin as he discusses his new commission for ArtSway with
independent writer and curator Francesco Manacorda. The publication accompanying
Aggregate will be officially launched after the talk. Booking Essential - Free
The Real Me? with Jamie Shovlin: Saturday 11 November, 1pm - 4pm
A workshop for 7 to 11 year olds exploring truth and fiction and secret identities.
Bring photos, newspaper cuttings and your imagination and let artist Jamie Shovlin
help you create a 3D framed collage of fiendish fakery. Booking Essential - Cost
pound;15
Trip to Gilbert White’s House in Selborne, Hampshire: Saturday 25 November, 11pm - 5pm
Join artist Jamie Shovlin on a trip to The Wakes in Selborne, the 18th century house
and gardens of Gilbert White, the ecologist and founding father of scientific
recording. Cost £5. Free to Friends of ArtSway
ArtSway is the contemporary visual arts centre in the New Forest, United Kingdom,
presenting a changing exhibition programme of international significance in a unique
rural environment, while facilitating the development of new works by artists and
offering creative opportunities for audiences.
Reception for the Artist: Saturday 14 October, 2pm
ArtSway
Station Road - Sway
Open Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 5pm.
Admission is Free