Community art project rooted in heritage and environment, culminating in an immersive contemporary art exhibition plus events in the iconic Zig Zag building, Glastonbury for Somerset Art Weeks Festival (21 September – 6 October).
As Old as the Hills, curated by artists Fiona Campbell and Jan Ollis, looks at the ancient layered history of Mendip and the Somerset Levels – interdependent landscapes which have shaped and been shaped by humans for millennia. A ridge of limestone hills, riddled with river-made caves, sits above the wetlands. Here, peat bogs and pastures rely upon a complex system of natural and man-made channels for drainage. Still, floods are frequent and often spectacular.
This unique mix of land and water provides fertile soil for artists. As Old as the Hills features ten well-known, diverse artists working in a range of disciplines, from large-scale sculptural installations, textiles and assemblage, to film and performance. Some artists are local to Somerset, others from across the country. Four are members of Royal Society of Sculptors. They have come together to celebrate this ancient place, its biodiversity, the value of art and environment, while offering new narratives responding to challenges of our time and the future. Artworks respond to climate change, focusing on local floods and water pollution.
As Old as the Hills provokes thought and debate about global and local issues. With environment and green care at heart, it investigates our existence, deep time, ecology, life’s precariousness/persistence, transformation, ‘progress’, survival, adaptation, myth and legend of the landscape. It looks back to look forward, taking a positive approach to explore solutions through visual art and performance. The exhibition takes place on the top floor of a vast disused space which once housed the Morlands leather/sheepskin factory. An iconic example of Bauhaus architecture, its unconventional space defies traditional white cube art spaces.
A range of workshops led by the artists throughout the summer have engaged the community in
collaborative making, using materials gathered in the surroundings. These will be displayed as part of the exhibition. Visitors will be able to see their own work become part of the whole, making them part of the conversation rather than just spectators. The project fits with Zig Zag owner Chris Black’s aim to raise awareness of the building and its community/arts benefits.
Co-curator Fiona Campbell explains: ‘I’m interested in placing art in unusual spaces that bring their own atmosphere. The Zig Zag is unique; light floods in through long banks of windows which span both lengths of the Bauhaus building. I’m thrilled to be using it as a residency and exhibition space, collaborating with such a great selection of artists. We’re very grateful to those who have supported us, including The Arts Society, Gane Trust, Shepton Mallet Town Council, Somerset Art Works, and private donors’.
‘We’ve been delighted with the level of engagement by mixed ages and abilities in our workshops so far: at Collett Park Day, West Pennard and St Benedict’s C of E Junior Schools, Avalon Marshes, and a Sweet Track Making Workshop,’ says co-curator Jan Ollis.
Upcoming workshops include a Canal Walk & Workshop. For further information visit their instagram page : As Old as the Hills or click on image below.
List of participating Artists:
