Bronwen Buckeridge – FOUR ON THE FLOOR | SIX IN THE AIR

Harbour House in Kingsbridge has launched a new creative programme with Bronwen Buckeridge’s latest work FOUR ON THE FLOOR | SIX IN THE AIR, a live durational performance that creates an exhibition out of the artefacts and trace elements it leaves behind.

The performance takes place in the gallery on Saturday 29 July from 10 am – 4 pm, and is divided into 6 episodes, each lasting 45 minutes and starting on the hour. The exhibition will then open on Thursday 3 August, running until Saturday 2 September.

The movement of birds

In each episode a birder is stationed in a different locale around Kingsbridge and dials in a live report on the movement of the birds around them. Back at the gallery the artist decodes this commentary into a series of instructions and stitches for crochet, which a record keeper archives onto a chalkboard spanning the width of the gallery. This unfolding pattern is then fashioned with hooks and yarn by a team of crocheters working with the artist in real-time.

Fragile working machine

Together the birders, crocheters and the artist form their own fragile working machine. Human operated and supported by technology, the machine is primarily avian, controlled and directed by birds. Its pace, shape and particular rhythm are in service to the will and evolving patterns of water, woodland and garden birds moving around the town.

Film

After the performance Buckeridge will create a film from the live broadcast footage. This will form part of the ongoing exhibition alongside the artefacts and traces of the live work: the crochet and the coded instructions on the chalkboard.

Birders and crocheters

FOUR ON THE FLOOR | SIX IN THE AIR is also a portrait of the town that hosts it, with members of the local community – in this case birders and crocheters – adopting roles that support its production. The traces of its human protagonists as well as their avian counterparts can be found in its workings and final expression.

Community engagement

The exhibition marks the beginning of a new programme at Harbour House, which places community engagement at its heart. The new vision for the Harbour House is shaped by our ongoing work with the Young Curators of Kingsbridge Community College, who highlighted the need for art to bring together different groups and generations within the community as well as a programme strand exploring our natural surroundings, climate change and our non-human neighbours.

Community workshop

On Sunday 30 July, Buckeridge will be delivering a community workshop with the KCC Young Curators. During the workshop Bronwen will introduce simple listening devices to tune into the beauty of the woodland. Time will be spent foraging for different sounds and finding playful ways of visually recording and making them memorable. The group will then use instruments made from natural materials to compose and play back a DIY finale to the birds, the wind and the surrounding trees. The workshop is open to all ages (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult).

Four on the Floor | Six in the Air: A performance and exhibition by Bronwen Buckeridge

Performance: Saturday 29 July 2023, 10 am – 4 pm Visitors can drop in at any time, no need to book. Admission Free

Exhibition: 3 August – 2 September 2023, open Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm (Closed Sundays)

Post-performance reception: Saturday 29 July 2023, 4 pm

Admission free

Workshop: Sunday 30 July, 2-4.30pm, West Alvington Woods, Meet at Harbour House

Admission free but booking required:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/woodland-orchestra-workshop-with-artist-bronwen-buckeridge-tickets-670686520437

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