Event date: 9 May 2023
Review by Danusia Wurm
I lived here once and you killed me, Hazel Soper
“Committed to the uncompromising presentation of contemporary art”
Facilitated by Norfolk based artist Carl Rowe, Norwich School's Blake Studio hosted a fascinating talk on OUTPOST, an arts run charity presented by OUTPOST Committee Chair Maddie Exton and the work of one of its alumni, multimedia installation artist Hazel Soper.
‘Committed to the uncompromising presentation of contemporary art’ OUTPOST was founded in 2004 under the inspiration of Lynda Morris, then Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) Professor of Curation and Art History, in response to the recognition of a lack of affordable studio space, and as a means to keep graduating artists in Norwich.
Run by a Steering Group of volunteer creative members, OUTPOST runs 85 affordable studio spaces in Gildengate House in Anglia Square, as well as the OUTPOST Gallery, which stages about five exhibitions a year.
OUTPOST has been exceptionally successful in nurturing young talent who often have been selected to show at prestigious art shows including Frieze and its members have attracted significant arts grant funding. Additionally, the curatorial and administrative skills acquired by members have led to new careers in small galleries across the country.
“I think imagination is imperative to create a different, alternative, inclusive future for us all”
Hazel Soper is a video installation artist, exploring the effects of technology and capitalism on women’s autonomy. Referencing traditions of female labour, she often uses textiles to create installation elements, alongside close-up, non-narrative video pieces. Collage also has a strong presence throughout her work, both with analogue collages, and through the juxtaposition of appropriated text in video, audio and print form.
Her latest haunting installation I Lived Here Once And Then You Killed Me explores women’s histories and British folkloric traditions. It specifically looks at the local legend of the ‘Somerton Witch’, who was buried alive inside St Mary’s Church. Before dying, the Witch cast a spell on her wooden leg which grew into a tree that eventually destroyed the Church, as such the centre of the community and symbol of the control and values that repressed her.
“I think imagination is imperative to create a different, alternative, inclusive future for us all. Folklore and stories also reflect our beliefs as a society, and which roles we are expected to play. As an angry feminist, I think it's important to revisit and re-examine which roles we are cast into and why - and if we want to be one of someone else's story at all”.
Review by ncas trustee Danusia Wurm