Through a range of disciplines this exhibition brings together a group of local artists deeply concerned with the climate crisis and the devastating consequences of warming of lands and seas. 

 

Rising sea levels, caused by the warming of the ocean, and the increased melting of glaciers and ice sheets, is a particular focus for Helen Goodwin, whose poetic photographic work exploring coastal erosion offers us a poignant reflection on loss and change.

Lizzie Brewer turns her attention to melting ice caps in the Arctic, translating the process of melting and destruction into a narrative expressed as a scroll.

 

Jane Oldfield illustrates the warming of the sea and Amanda Randall’s stone sculpture draws attention to the Mermaid’s Purse - a shark egg case symbolising the aquatic species now threatened by warming oceans. 

Richard Eastwood responds to the deadly floods in Spain in 2024 with haunting media painted images.

Loraine Monk’s etching and aquatint envision the River Thames flooding at Kingston Bridge. Janey Hagger’s boat, constructed from materials gathered from the Thames riverbed and coastal shorelines, reminds us of human waste and the plight of climate refugees.

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Nicki Rolls’ sculptures are also made from found river debris - making river creatures which are mythological representations of the power of water. The twin impacts of drought and flood on plant life and farmland are explored in Máire Gartland’s paintings.

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Brian Deighton reflects on the persistent rain in the landscape, and

Susan Cunningham investigates practical responses - inspired by rain gardens to identify plants that can tolerate damp conditions, as well as plants that can survive flooding. All the artists taking part have compelling and diverse practices in painting, sculpture and photography. We hope that visitors will find this exhibition both thought -provoking and enjoyable.