Tracing Shadows

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Tracing Shadows 

22 January – 5 March 2022

An exhibition led by Patricia MacKinnon-Day

In collaboration with Kim Moore & Nick Rogers

Art Gene is delighted to present newly commissioned work led by artist Patricia MacKinnon-Day, made in collaboration with poet Kim Moore & composer Nick Rogers. 

This exhibition is an extension of The Calling Sheds, an investigation into the working lives of four women shepherds based in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. 

For Tracing Shadows, artworks presented both inside and outside Art Gene’s building take inspiration from the passion and commitment of a Cumbrian shepherd based on Cartmel Fell, and the rich heritage of sheep farming in this region, with links to the monastic success of Furness Abbey. 

22 January, 6-8pm – Private View (RSPV only)

22 January-5 March, every evening – Film viewable from Abbey Road

26-27 February, 12-4pm – Exhibition open to the public

Exhibition open on other dates by appointment. Contact Art Gene on 01229 825085. 

FREE 

Tracing Shadows is an exploration into the working life of Lisa Berry, a contemporary Cumbrian sheep farmer.

For this project Patricia MacKinnon-Day, Kim Moore & Nick Rogers have taken inspiration from the farmer’s working methods and compassionate approach to raising sheep at her farm on Cartmel Fell, to produce new collaborative work in moving image, sculpture, poetry and music. 

The centuries old practice of sheep farming in Cumbria and the Lake District was instrumental to the success of Barrow’s Furness Abbey as a major landowner in the county. Now, contemporary farmers continue the tradition, bringing a commitment and a deep connection with the land and seasons. 

This new work presents the artists unique responses to the natural and constructed heritage of the Lake District, from Cartmel Fell to Barrow-in-Furness, and its tradition of rearing sheep.

Each evening Mackinnon Day’s dual screen projection will be seen through the windows of Art Gene’s Victorian building, the full exhibition continues inside in Art Gene’s Mezzanine space. 

The Calling Sheds

Tracing Shadows forms part of The Calling Sheds, a project supported using public funding from Arts Council England. The Calling Sheds is a creative investigation into the lives of women shepherds, whilst also connecting female farm workers in rural locations across the British Isles.

Full details and register for Private View: https://www.art-gene.co.uk/gallery/tracing-shadows/