SPARK #31: FOFO
The February 2024 SPARK session takes place at The Atkinson Southport with a tour of FOFO, a new solo exhibition by Ruth Moilliet, followed by a presentation from conservationist and Senior Engagement Officer for Green Sefton John Dempsey.
FOFO: Fear of finding out
Having celebrated the botanical world in her work for many years, Ruth Moilliet’s sculptures now look at the decline of plant species, their pollinators and the natural world as a whole. Her initial studies used found, recycled plastic materials to highlight the impact the fossil fuel industry has had on our planet. The new additions shown in this exhibition encourage discussion around the responsibilities we have as individuals to prevent further decline through our daily activities and the items in our lives.
Experienced conservationist and speaker John Dempsey will discuss the flora and fauna of the protected Sefton coast, the pressures this landscape and its wildlife face due to factors including climate change, and the management of this spectacular habitat.
Weather permitting there will be a group walk after the session along the frontal dunes at Birkdale. This is about a 15-minute walk from the Atkinson or a five-minute drive. There is parking at Weld Road and the Velvet Trail leads into the slacks and dunes from there. Participants will need warm, waterproof clothing and stout footwear.
Hot drinks will be provided; please bring your disposable cups where possible. If staying for the walk bring a packed lunch if required.
The Atkinson is wheelchair accessible.
Ruth Moilliet
Ruth Moilliet produces highly finished sculptures inspired by the plant kingdom. In her work she aims to draw the viewer’s attention to both the overall spectacle and individual beauty of a flower.
Her work is inspired by her close study of particular species and the beautiful, intricate forms she discovers. The finished pieces and the materials used explore the apparent fragility of an individual plant contrasted with its ability to sustain existence through ongoing lifecycles.
In recent years Ruth’s concern for the serious effects of climate change and the decline in plant species and insects has led her to create work that draws attention to this and the causes. With this in mind she has developed a new body of work created from recycled materials, with a focus on producing and utilising sheets made by heat pressing discarded, single use plastics.
SPARK
The SPARK network was set up by Castlefield Gallery in 2022 to facilitate a Greater Manchester/North West-based network of artists wanting to intervene in the climate crisis. The gallery initiated SPARK in response to the high demand for places on the 2021/22 SUSTAIN programme focussed on low carbon artmaking.
SPARK #31 follows SPARK sessions at Manchester Art Gallery, Rogue, The Birley (Preston), Eccles Friends Meeting House, Manchester Museum, AIR Gallery, Paradise Works, Editional Studio, Cadishead and Little Woolden Moss, Gallery Oldham, the John Rylands Library, Dunham Massey, Lindow Moss, Castlefield Viaduct, and Gallery Oldham. At the end of 2023 SPARK held a group exhibition, also called SPARK, and events programme at Rogue Studios.
Castlefield Gallery continues to provide admin and co-ordination support via its Artist Environmental Lead, Jane Lawson.
Follow SPARK on instagram here
Directions
The nearest railway station is Southport which is approximately 3 minutes walk from the venue and has frequent services to and from Liverpool, Wigan, Manchester and further afield. The nearest bus stop to The Atkinson is on Lord Street outside Christ Church.
The Atkinson does not have a car park.
Access information and directions for the Atkinson can be found here
Image: Ruth Moilliet: FOFO (installation view)
