Bordering the territory between fine art and curation historic objects, collections and archives form the context for practice led, curatorial and theoretical projects informed by wider reading, extensive research and study visits.
Art Practice
Practical projects include A bath for tuppence: a site-specific installation created for the former washroom of the Grade I listed Edwardian Ladies Cloakroom as part of Fiona’s exhibition Scratching The Veneer. With its origins in archived female patient records from a local Victorian asylum Fiona’s degree show work culminated in an installation comprised of aesthetic and functional objects displayed in a cabinet alongside printed gloves, a bandage scroll and projection on found tiles. Perception (2014) a site-specific installation installed in Bath’s Walcot Chapel as part of a group exhibition utilised mirrors to display selected dialogue from archived personal conversations with local homeless individuals in Bath. An installation at Baths American museum (2014) drew on historic archives of the Donner Party Pioneers of 1846.
Another aspect of Fiona’s practice reflects her interest in the relationship between nature and humanity, visually and metaphorically. Close observations of natural and organic forms evolve into gestural drawings and prints of tangible, intimate and aesthetic natures.
Curatorial Practice
2014-2016
Dedicating the last couple of years to the development of her curatorial practice Fiona has extensive experience of curating exhibitions and events independently and in teams. Fusion (2014/2015) a unique collaboration between Bath Spa University and the Royal United Hospital culminated in an exhibition formed of thirty diverse works and celebration event at the RUH. Highly commended in the 2016 Arts and Health South West prize some works enjoy permanent longevity. Out Of The Archive, curated for Fringe Arts Bath Festival 2016 exhibited in Bath Central Library saw selected artists respond innovatively to pre-identified Bath Georgian period archives. Scratching The Veneer (November 2016) a site specific group exhibition curated for Bristols distinctive Grade I listed Edwardian integrated political, social, cultural and historical narratives with works forming a dialogue with the space.
2017-2018
During 2017 Fiona completed an MA in Culture, Criticism and Curation at UAL Central Saint Martins- a distinctive course predicated in archives, collaborative work and community outreach. This presented opportunities to test new curatorial methods and develop personal interests in a professional setting. Live curatorial projects were realised with the University Archives and Special Collections Centre, Alexandra Palace and inclusive Theatre and performing arts company Haringey Shed. Critical writing and presenting also formed a significant element of the course.
Invocation: Jo Ann Kaplan (April 2017) installed in Central Saint Martins Window Gallery was a site specific exhibition inspired by archive materials belonging to the late artist/film-maker Jo Ann Kaplan. Collaborating with professional dancers from London’s Traceworks Dance Fiona organised an opening event of live dance in-front of the window which interpreting the exhibition and its themes through movement honouring Kaplans passion for dance.
Following this Fiona participated in Printed at a school of Art: An extracurricular project with CSM Graphic students based on former student led publications held in UAL archives. Working in a small team to realise an adaptable travelling exhibition across UAL campuses developed awareness of the practical, logistical and ethical factors involved with archive display. The Peoples Carnival (November 2017) developed in collaboration with Alexandra Palace and Haringey Shed was an archival and community driven project that aimed to research and critically address submerged histories of local and minority communities in relation to Alexandra Palace. Focusing on the palace’s affiliation with the 1970’s Rock Against Racism movement innovative outreach and curatorial strategies were developed to engage local communities and concert goers with this history. Culminating in a day long workshop and live performance intervention staged in Alexandra Palace’s Palm court to an audience of Royal Blood concert goers and the general public Fiona and a colleague utilised the opportunity to deliver a presentation on the project and discuss its "Value" components at a cross course “Value” symposium with RCA curating students (December 2017).
Present
Currently seeking full time work in the arts and cultural sector Fiona is open to different opportunities and keen to gain work that facilitates her interests whilst offering scope for personal and professional development. Fiona hopes you enjoy browsing her website and welcomes any feedback, suggestions or enquiries via the contact page.