The exhibition features new work by Jersey artists Matt Falle and Karen Le Roy Harris alongside works by French artists Amélie Delaunay and Fleur Helluin. 'Art'chaeology' is archaeological residency project that explores links between the artistic and the archaeological; the artworks on show are the artists' response to the project.
‘Art’chaeology’ has been a unique exploratory project that has seen two artists from each region spend time developing work in both jurisdictions. In July 2015, the four artists spent 5 days as part of an active team on an archaeological site in Vieux La Romaine in Caen, where they interacted with archaeologists including Karine Jardel, were shown key findings and artefacts, and had access to sources of information in archives and libraries. Later that month, the artists completed their Jersey residency under the guidance of Jersey Heritage’s Curator of Archaeology, Olga Finch, as well as Dr Matt Pope and his team. The artists were given access to many of Jersey’s significant archaeological sites including Les Varines, La Hougue Bie, La Cotte and Neolithic dolmens.
The concept of the project was to explore and celebrate archaeology by introducing contemporary artists to archaeological sites, leading to a travelling exhibition of work in each territory. As well as the research element of the project, it also offered an opportunity for the artists to explore each other’s home and get to know one another and their respective practice.
Since last summer, the four artists have been producing pieces of work (at home) in response to the sites and the discoveries they made. An exciting mix of mediums will be presented at the ‘Art’Chaeology’ exhibition, which includes installation, print, ceramic work, painting, sketching and sculpture. The exhibition will also travel to France in the near future.
Art’chaeology was developed by Les Ateliers Intermédiaires and Jersey Arts Trust, with support of the Normandy Regional Council, the Institute Français and the States of Jersey. It also received support of the Calvados Department Council, Vieux la Romaine’s museum and archaeological sites, the Maison de la Normandie, and the experts and archaeological sites of Jersey Heritage.
By Clare Clinton on 16/09/2016