Solo show Site-specific
Material
Jigsaw puzzle, model pigeons, pigeon decoys, photographs
Information
Gatherings & Dispersals – Traci Kelly draws attention to parallels between the abandoned Spode ceramics factory in Stoke-on-Trent and life in rural Lincolnshire.
Pink hybrid roses mark the factory boundary. Beyond the gates nature is taking root, prising open windows and infiltrating brickwork; feral pigeons colonise the architecture and stealthy airborne predators dispatch their prey. On the artist's first site visit to Waddington, a bird of prey circled the sky above the village, scrutinising the landscape: this recurring motif of the hawk and the pigeon became central to thinking around flocking, fragmentation, the decline of industrial work forces and rural chapel congregations and the process of reconvening on new terms.
In Wellingore Broadcaster two photographs create a subversive poetry. One portrays an obsolete artefact filled with petals from 'Spode' roses whose scatter evokes the remains of broken ceramics. The second is the remains of a hawk-plucked pigeon carcass on the industrial acreage. Both mark the fragile beauty of things destined to pass within crumbling architecture and encroaching wildlife. Waddington Broadcaster takes further the theme of contemporary shards in the piecing together of jigsaw fragments. A god-hawk looks down with intent on the gathering below. On the adjacent lawn twelve decoy pigeons, one for each apostle, attract others to their flock. The indoor pastime of the puzzle, witnessed through a glazed window is juxtaposed with outdoor rural pursuits such as hunting.
Exhibited
Broadcaster, Waddington & Wellingore, UK 2014 Curated by Danica Maier
Photo credits
Traci Kelly
Related text
The Gathering
A flock of pigeons have gathered on the Post Methodist’s Lawn causing a stir, the villagers congregate, smile, comment. These are knowing birds, built-in flight-paths designed By Traci Kelly. Warm winds ruffle oil-free feathers, The birds rotate, supple as wax. Hollow bones light as a child’s balloon are ready for take off. Eyes are as blue as clay, feathers grey as stone, soft as Bone-ash. Hold a wing skywards and light will filter Through as if holding a china mug.
Maureen Sutton
07 07 2014.