Notes in the Margin

An exhibition of digital photography and mixed media work

at         Vestry House Museum

            Vestry Road,   London E17 9NH

            Mon-Sat 10:00am-1:00pm and 2:00-5:30pm (Sat to 5pm )

and      William Morris Gallery

Forest Road, London E17 4PP

Tue-Sat, and Sun 3rd Sep: 10:00am -1:00pm and 2:00-5:00pm

Dates: 2-16 September 2006

Private view: 1 September 2006, 6-8.30 at Vestry House Museum

Work by:        Liz Ellis

                        Cinzia Cremona

                        Alke Schmidt

Notes in the Margin brings together three women artists interested in the politics of the local and their wider implications. This exhibition touches on historical, political and cultural issues connected with the area of Walthamstow in East London. Birthplace of William Morris, shaped by successive economical and social transformations and by its contemporary cultural and religious mix, Walthamstow offers the starting point for a discussion on ideas and values relevant to contemporary life.

At Vestry House Museum, Liz Ellis’ photographic prints and multiples feature weeds growing in Waltham Forest, referring to tenacity and marginal existence in a range of domestic and industrial settings. These images are put in the context of local history records and guides, such as the Vestry House Museum publication ‘Non conformity in Walthamstow’.

Also at Vestry House Museum, Cinzia Cremona’s Come Closer invites viewers to share in the complicity between the artist and Shaida, a young woman living according to Muslim law who has recently started covering her face. The images capture moments of dialogue and intimacy that go beyond cultural and religious differences.

Alke Schmidt’s mixed media works at William Morris Gallery and Vestry House Museum confront present cultural politics in Walthamstow with the rich legacy of William Morris. In Arcadia, Alke filters her photographs of failed cultural investments through the designs and writings of William Morris and playfully explores the tensions between politics and aesthetics, documentary and decorative.

As part of the exhibition, Liz, Alke and Cinzia are leading the following two events:

A “Non-Conformity Walk” around Walthamstow open to all

       DATE: Friday 15 September 2006,15:00 to 17:30. Meet at the William Morris Gallery at 14:45

       Book with the William Morris Gallery wmg.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk, or 0208.5273782

A Tour of the Exhibition Sites aimed at artists and photographers

       DATE: Saturday 16 September 2006, 14:30 to 17:00pm. Meet at the William Morris Gallery at 14:15

       Book with Four Corners: owen@fourcornersfilm.co.uk

The exhibition will also be part of the E17 Art Trail, www.E17arttrail.co.uk

 

Cinzia Cremona works with video and photography to weave mental and physical realities. Since graduating from Central St Martins in 2003, she has been exhibiting internationally.

Liz Ellis uses print and photography to explore the politics of community, social relations, and the annual arrival of mangoes in East London. After studying BA Fine Art and MA Fine Art at Central St Martins, she has exhibited internationally.

Alke Schmidt creates seductive, socially engaged mixed media works. She holds an MA Fine Art from London Metropolitan University and has been exhibiting regularly in the UK since 1999. Her work is in private collections in Europe and Australia.

 

For further information please contact: ni.margins@yahoo.co.uk