Terra Incognito

This is what I can only describe as a rare gem of an exhibition: thought-provoking, accessible, and inspirational. The space—oh my goodness, the space! Situated in Thameside Studios, Woolwich.

The sheer scale and quality of light provided the perfect backdrop for a finely curated selection of work by the Whatshesaid Collective of artists.

Thameside Studios.

But what of the art? I hadn’t expected to respond to the work quite this way. I disappeared into visceral thoughts of end-of-life care and the transitory state that it evoked.

Mathilde Lebreton. Terra 2, 2024.   Mixed media on jute.97x147cm.

Floating in front of a panel of Earth’s rich hues: deep amber, dark violet blues punctuated with vibrant orange points of light. Pausing to reflect on what lies beneath this highly charged surface.

Ann Norfield. Offshore Loss, 2024.Composite relief print.

I was challenged by the precarious crossings of inhospitable waters in a fragile piece of rubber, staring squarely into the face of trust and hope.

Claire Mont Smith. Bridge of Sighs. 2024. Screenprint monotype.

Happily lost, I wandered through the ethereal, melancholic alleyways of Venice, contemplating the mapping of human existence through layers of material inhabitation.

It was well worth the trip and a joy to see.