Three very different exhibitions: road kill, photos and textiles

Tomorrow is the last day of Adam Morrigan's exhibition at the new gallery at Artspace in Stroud - it is entitled 'Road Kill' - see previous BBC reports here and here - Daily Mail report here and gallery report here. The Horsley-based artist kindly lent his kitchen last night to Greens doing their last minute campaigning for the by-election in Horsley - he didn't mention his exhibition but I stumbled across it when I was in Stroud today.

Photo: Part of Mappa Mundi

Adam explores our relationship with the natural world and how we have become alienated from it - using what is seen as valueless his work can show us that it is something priceless - I had seen photos of his work before but was struck by the actual pieces - I found some of the pieces very moving indeed - particularly the Mappa Mundi - two ducklings. I highly recommend a visit or look out for his next exhibition.

The second exhibition is at the Cricket Pavilion St Georges Field in Nailsworth 9th to 16th September 11 to 4 and features Anja Liengaard and some of her textile work and writings. She died in April this year - an extraordinary woman whose life story is well....extraordinary! I think there are probably few in Nailsworth who have not been touched by her and her husband, Kelds' warmth and creativity.

Anja was born in London, married Keld in 1951 and spent the first year of marriage travelling around the Mediterranean with a cart and fiddle. In 1956 they moved to Gloucestershire where all 5 of their children were born - and moved to Horsley in 1974 - they were active Quackers and founded the Blackberry Hill Community - Anja studied and practised complimentary healing techniques and ran many craft workshops - people from all over the country came - she was particularly well known for her spinning and many will remember her at the Farmers Market with her spinning wheel. She wrote and published 'A Child in Search of the Truth' which drew on her own experiences.

Photo: Poster advertising Anja's exhibition

The third exhibition I wanted to mention was by Bread Street resident and photographer James Boosey entitled 'Deconstructing Chameleons' at Prema from 8 Sep to 27 Oct. Here's the blurb about it:

"The chameleon uses his camouflage to protect himself from predators, to hide his own vulnerabilities and frailties. In this exhibition, Stroud-based photographer James Boosey presents a series of portraits that examine the nature of how we, as humans, use camouflage. His distinctive portraits are coupled with wide frames that protrude boldly from the walls. This creates a raw, intrusive experience that demands closer inspection from the spectator. Each portrait offers a glimpse of a personal space and invites the viewer to examine each face in detail. Boosey seeks much more than just a photograph – his aim is to create a particular engagement with the viewer. One in which we look closely at the portrait and try to see beyond the camouflage."