Receiving an email inviting me to take part in an exhibition was an unexpected joy. For many years I have existed on the periphery of creative communities. Taking the plunge three years ago with submitting a piece of work into a Queerfest exhibition in Norwich was my first tentative step into a community of artists that did not exist when I was younger and has lead me to make more of the work that I did not think would ever be possible for me to create.
Tracing Mapping was curated by Rachel Collier-Wilson and Richard Sawdon Smith and has community at its very heart. Bringing together queer artists to not only exhibit works but to engage with one another and to form bonds. Artists from the region as well as the wider UK have met up throughout the exhibition process. Critique sessions, life drawing as well as invidulating and of course a celebration at the closing event, were all opportunities to create social and professional connections, exchanging ideas and experiences, as well as social media handles, so the connections could resinate beyond the exhibitions duration.
Opportunity was also provided to use another space in the exhibitions building throughout its duration, affording time for artists to film for the exhibition as well as for other projects. The space was not only used to create new works but also to document previous works; as an artist, it is often the case, that large spaces with good light come at a premium, so this was an opportunity not to be missed.
Tracing Mapping has legacy, the connections that have been made as well as those that have been strengthened are building a stronger sense of queer community and belonging. Many of the artists will be involved in another exhibition that will run alongside Norwich Pride in July (Passing Pride), which will showcase queer artists work and be a chance to meet up with familiar faces again.
On a personal level Tracing Mapping was an opportunity for me to start telling a deeply personal story, one that for my generation is likely familiar to a good number of people. It was also an opportunity to reflect on memories and note how much change there has been in the last 30 years. The performed element was designed to reflect on an optimistic societal progress over this time span, and to offer hope to subsequent generations, things can and usually do improve. This work will be packed away, in turn become a memory, but there are plans afoot for documentation that will allow for its spirit to be kept very much in the present.
While I often make work on the sidelines, behind the scenes and go largely noticed. It was nice, for a short while, to be looked at, spoken to and in full view of the gallery going public. Tracing Mapping was the perfect opportunity to showcase ‘I will tell you when I am ready to say’.
Portiphillio 