Floating, as it were, on the confines of sense 1

In this exhibition, artist Jo Gane uses her research into Victorian photographic processes to produce new works that explore the impact of these early processes and materials upon people and the environment.

The fluid potential of silver as a material, it’s qualities and form used in photography is explored through the work created for this exhibition. Inspired by the archive of Victorian patent agent, chemistry lecturer and photographic pioneer George Shaw (1818 – 1904) and the rich heritage of manufacturing in Birmingham – Jo has created a series of portraits and artworks that have been co-produced by residents of Nuneaton and Bedworth, at Nuneaton library.  New work for the exhibition has also been made in the lake at Compton Verney.

This project is a partnership between Compton Verney, Coventry Biennial and Warwickshire Libraries, aimed at developing new opportunities for artists and communities in Warwickshire and the West Midlands through a 6-month artist residency. Coventry Biennial was founded in 2017 as an artist-led, strategic response to the city publishing a 10-year cultural strategy & the bid to become UK City of Culture. They support and present socially, politically and critically engaged art in Coventry and Warwickshire and work with artists to respond to the city’s complex history, geography, built environment and relationships, retaining an outward-looking perspective, ensuring that their work has broader appeal, significance & impact.

Images taken by Jamie Woodley and Tegen Kimbley.

Image credits: (c) Jo Gane