Elemental is an ancient concept, widely believed in past times: ‘The Elementals’ - Earth – Air – Fire – Water. Attributed to Paracelsus, the Renaissance alchemist and philosopher in the 16th century, in which each element being complete within itself possesses a living protective spirit with an individual character and attributes. Fiona Campbell, Ally Matthews & Jan Alison Edwards, three environmental artists, respond to this concept. Using their deep sense of empathy for the planet, they address issues of humankind’s loss of connection to nature by evoking not only the ideology of the elements, but their essence of protectiveness and interdependence.
Modern science has shown us that interdependence is fundamental for the survival of life on earth. Each microcosm is dependent on each ecosystem, which in turn is reliant on the ecosystems of the universe. The basic elements, the framework of organic growth, are also a part of this interdependency. There is a flow of energy, a continual cycle from the emergence of life in the primordial slime, a protoplasm from which all life originated. This creates an inherent connection, an invisible thread woven from nature’s own intrinsic force, binding all life on earth from its genesis into the 21st century.
In the Age of the Anthropocene, the concept of the elemental may seem irrelevant. Yet with the threat of a Sixth Mass Extinction, it can provide a powerful link and opportunity to re-establish humankind’s lost connections to the natural world.
‘Surprising new connections have emerged from our mutual conversations and meet ups. This has culminated in a rich cohesion of work, with different flavours’, explains Fiona Campbell.
‘Curating with Fiona Campbell and Ally Matthews, two innovative artists, has been a high point in my artistic career’, says Jan Alison Edwards.
‘Working with these two established artists will be a positive influence on my practice from now on, it has been a creative experience and a joy’, Ally Matthews.
The artists invite you to a playful dance with the elementals.
For further information visit: Sou’-Sou’-West [https://sousouwest.co.uk/]
