Visual art exhibitions and events with a platform for critical writing
By: Cathryn Jiggens
Commencing the 21st April, I am undertaking a residency in Berlin - managed by the Waygood Gallery & Studios, Newcastle, established and funded by the Arts Council NE.
Under the title of 'Bridging the Gap' - my current work explores a collective forgetfulness, a subtle evolutionary shift from feathers, fur and dirt to shrink-wrap plastic. I shall be developing these themes over the coming 6 months in relation to the context of Berlin.
"I often dream of myself mining; like mining any truly creative journey involves an act of faith - and a moment of madness - compelling us to reach beyond that which is known." After graduating with an MFA from Newcastle University in 2002, I lived and worked in the NE of England undertaking residencies and commissions. In 2007 following a 6-month residency in Berlin, I relocated to London. My work develops from a site or community, using installation, photography, video, performance and writing. I have set up 2 artists networking groups - newcastleGRAFT and ESAB (Berlin) with over 200 members.
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Cathryn Jiggens, ‘My Kitchen’
The sun sets on my first day in Berlin
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Cathryn Jiggens, ‘Brown Teddy’
The sun sets on my first day in Berlin.
# 1 [23 April 2007]
It is my second day. I take a walk out with several tasks to complete, including locating a suitable German language course. Spotting 'Schule' on a building nearby my studio, a brief investigation lands me in the middle of day 1 of a four week intensive language course.
The class group is very small, the teacher very jovial - I like him and instantly feel at ease. The price of the course also, at 183 Euros, is considerably less than the 500 - 1000 I had been advised.
It takes me a while to accept that I could by chance have stumbled upon just what I needed, without undertaking a City wide telephone / website / walking investigation of the many language schools in Berlin I had planned.
Could it really be so easy and still be 'right'?
It is a while since I have undertaken a residency, but I am instantly reminded of the strange mixture of intention and chance unfolding into new work in a new environment. These gentle and happy collisions of fate have in the past lead me into unexptected and fertile collaborations with dancer, writer, musician and actor.
I recall today why I enjoy working in a residential context - the finite framework of time / space / place breeding an intensity of experience quite different to 'being at home' - though at homeness is another set of qualities with it's own insights and rewards.
Time to get on with my homework...