Forward Thinking

About

The ‘Pioneer' conjures a romantic depiction of an individual venturing into unknown or unclaimed territory. Paving the way in adverse conditions; opening new areas of thought, research and development. The classic interpretation is consistently attached with hindsight, being given to the individual after their action has been deemed worthy or of importance. But for every success there are countless glorious failures, cast away and forgotten in the bowels of history. Today the term ‘Pioneer' can appear redundant, more akin to associations of colonial conquest and defunct avant-garde practices. However, its potency as a word and idea redeem its former meaning. It remains synonymous with forward thinking negating the past as a true reflection of progression and advancement. The ‘Pioneer' continues to strive with a hopeful determination to lighten the dark corners of the earth and bring to light all its hidden wealth. Forward Thinking brings together 16 contemporary positions by a cross-generational group of artists in response to the idea of the pioneer. Barry Reigate Benet Spencer Blue Firth Cedar Lewisohn Gabriel Hartley Jack Newling Luey Graves Matt Franks Mark Pearson Nick Goss Paul Johnson Patricia Ellis Richard Kirwan Robert Pratt Stewart Cliff Tim Ellis Curated by Tim Ellis in association with The Glenfiddich Distillery