- Venue
- Wysing Arts Centre
- Location
- East Midlands
WYSING ARTS CENTRE – RE-OPENING
David Kefford’s ‘fragile’, a tumbling vortex of coathangers cascades from the ceiling, a centre-piece to the exhibition of current studio holders work, at the grand re-opening of Wysing Arts Centre, in Bourn, Cambridgeshire.
Other standout work included CJ Mahony’s ‘Document’ the visual record of an installation which snaked through the former studio building like the roots of some great tree, and Katherine Hymers ‘Luce del Mattino’, a durational video piece featuring a figure lying in bed, in an Italian cottage, drenched in languorous sunlight. Having briefly also visited Franko B’s live/work space I was able to see some exciting new work from his black series.
The new two-storey studio-block which is situated toward the front of the site, is a monolithic presence, punctuated by large panels of shining glass. The dark wooden slats echo the adjacent 17th century farmhouse acknowledging the rural context, but utilising modern building techniques to fill the studios with huge quantities of natural light. The new reception area also gives a luxurious sense of space reminiscent of the clean lines of Mies Van der Rohe’s ‘McCormick House’.
Personally the most rewarding experience of the day was the time spent talking with artist David Kefford. With a selection of Philosophical, and psychological texts, a collection of comic books, and well loved 12-inch records, Kefford’s studio is a haven, a paradigm of reflexive, meditative space. I found Kefford’s work dynamic, and stimulating, and he responded to my questions in a considered, and thoughtful manner. I was particularly interested in the delicate drawing work, each piece with it’s own unique character spreading across the paper seemingly of it’s own volition.
Unfortunately, as I had a meeting back in London I had to leave before the party really got going, however I left impressed with the synthesis of the local, the historic and the progressive which resonates not only in the curatorial programme but in the very buildings themselves.
