Castlefield Gallery Associates Spotlight: Anna Clough
Posted on 10 September 2024
This month we have asked Anna Clough to contribute to our Castlefield Gallery Associates Spotlight series, in which current Castlefield Gallery Associates share their thoughts on what the programme offers and how it has been useful for them.
Can you tell us a little bit about your practice?
My interests lie with the British landscape and the many influences that interact with it. My practice is research based and I investigate British ecosystems, romanticisation of the land and its heritage. I explore industrial systems that exist and operate in the land and how objects can change their value within it. Led by process, my making is predominantly sculptural, I gather found materials, then repurpose them into resources, re-activating them next to each other, often through movement.
I am inspired when I am in the land and working and engaging with the communities my work is based in. It provides a physical linking of places and history together. I have been exploring this side of my practice more. I recently produced a walking performance linking the mining areas of Cumbria from the neolithic period to the present day.
I am currently working on a socially engaged projected, which will culminate in a collaborative creation of mushy peas served on custom made newspaper. This is part of the work of a residency I am taking part in at Art Gene in Barrow, over the summer.
I was born in Cumbria, and I am currently based at the Paradise Works studios in Manchester and I was awarded the Howarth Trust Bursary 23-24. Recent shows of mine include, ‘Muck and the Mire’ at Paradise Works, Manchester (2024), ‘The Change Room’ at Florence Arts Centre, Cumbria (2024 and a solo show ‘the earth is warm’ at Air Gallery, Altringham (2023).
How did you hear about Castlefield Gallery Associates and why did you want to join?
I heard about the Associates during my time as a student at Manchester School of Art completing my Fine Art BA degree and from attending the exhibitions at Castlefield Gallery. I graduated in 2022 and knew the associate scheme would be a very useful support as an emerging artist. After researching the scheme further, looking through the archive of events, information and talks I realised just how useful the associates would be in navigating the art world.
What are you looking forward to most about your coming year’s membership?
I’m looking forward to meeting and being inspired by other associates and emerging artists through participating in the monthly workshops. As well as getting a deeper insight into the work within Castlefield Gallery’s shows. I am interested to gain knowledge about opportunities across the Northwest that I can become involved in. Lastly, I would value taking part in the one-to-one advisory sessions as I really value feedback to help my practice grow.
LINKS
Website
annaclough.ukImages
Banner:
- Anna Clough, from Iron to Sellafield, 2023. Image courtesy of Anna Clough.
From left to right, top to bottom:
- Anna Clough, Heart of Gold, 2024. Image courtesy of Anna Clough.
- Anna Clough, Muck and the Mire, install shot, a duo show with artist Nicole Sheppard at Paradise Works, 2024. Image courtesy of Anna Clough.
- Portrait of the Artist, 2023, image courtesy of Isobel Shore.
