Uncertain Objects, Part 1
There is a point during its making where the driving force in the creation of an artwork becomes the work itself. Decisions shuttle back and forth with determination, evolving through a stuttering dialogue that is linguistic, material and uncertain.
Uncertain Objects brings together new work by 18 artists with interests as varied as folklore, industrial decay, pop culture and ornithology; their work resonates with a poetry that emerges through the complex act of finding form.
The exhibition is hosted in a shop on Frome's most historic shopping street. Awaiting its next chapter, the interior reveals a layered history of commerce and architecture stretching back to the 16th Century.
Curated by Susie Clark and Andy Parker.
12th - 14th January 2024, Cheap Street, Frome, Somerset
shopwork presents contemporary art in unexpected spaces.
“You’ve done something really special here”
DM, former owner of the shop, Frome
“There’s a lot of creative stuff in the town but its all for sale. When you look at it and see there’s a price you know its not for you. This feels real. No one does stuff that means anything to us, you know, it's not for us, that’s why I've brought all my mates over”
J, Frome-based artist
“Congrats on such a knockout exhibition, and so well received - still buzzing!”
Participating artist
“Oh I’m so glad I’ve talked to to you, it’s so lovely to see the place come alive again”
Shopper, Frome
“Really great show and use of the space, it’s really exciting to see contemporary art presented in the centre of Frome.”
JC, Frome-based artist
“It's bloody brilliant this is!”
DC, Frome-based plumber & activist
“I think it’s so wonderful I really do. When we were told about it we had our doubts but this is just wonderful, wonderful.”
AM, former owner of the shop, Frome
“I didn't think I'd be nervous but I was - but the artists - your artists made me feel very welcome and at ease, their generosity with me and each other felt great”
Participating artist
“I just wanted to say that I thought your exhibition was fantastic. Such a delight to walk in and see interesting and varied works so well curated in this evocative setting”
LG, Somerset-based writer & curator
“We heard about it from a friend last night. We thought we’d give it a go but expected it would be… you know. But wow! I’m so glad we came. Incredible! Incredible!”
Artist & film maker, Bradford on Avon
“It was like something you’d see in London or Bristol, not a small market town like Frome”
BC, Frome
“I didn’t like any of it. Who did the rugs? I’m a knitter [pulls phone from bag and shares pictures of her knitting]. Why are they that shape? [talked about the work and the artist] ...that’s really interesting, I didn’t see that.”
Visitor, Batcombe, Somerset
“I just want to add my congratulations to all the others I hope you have received for the remarkable installation in the Amica building. Very professional and somehow proportionate!! Thanks for demonstrating the possible.”
CW, Frome-based artist
Alex Hermon, 'EH BÉ!', 2023, oil on canvas, 150 x 120 cm
Simon Lee Dicker 'see-an-enemy', 2022-23, stoneware clay, iron oxide, glaze, MDF, dimensions variable
Bevis Martin & Charlie Youle, 'Co-ordinates Quilt', 2019, cotton, 170 x 125 cm
Frances Richardson 'Object for thinking about empty', 2021, MDF, screws, 244 x 156 x 230 cm
Installation view 'Uncertain Objects, Part 1', 2024
Bevis Martin & Charlie Youle 'Pythagoras Rugs 1 & 2', 2023, french knitting, 150 x 155 cm & 190 x 170 cm
Andy Parker, 'Jetsam', 2024 4 colour lino cut (proof), 136 x 102 cm
Andy Parker, 'Sailing Equipped', 2023 cardboard, paper tape, household paint, glue, dimensions variable
Markus Vater 'Objects of Significance', 2023, framed digital prints, 32 x 45 cm each
Neil Rumming 'Have we met before, or we have met before, but I decided to pretend that it was the first time we had met, so it felt new and exciting, like a first date', 2023, aluminium cans, heat reflecting foil, aluminium foil, aluminium tape, rivets, heat resistant paint, acrylic on canvas, 97 x 61 cm
Annabel Pettigrew, 'Chiron after Geburah', 2024, raku glazed ceramic, organza, muslin, wood, cotton thread, lamp, speaker, audio recording, 120 x 85 x 85 cm
Bronwen Buckeridge 'Shhh... I’m concentrating', 2023, audio, 10 minute loop
Installation view, 'Uncertain Objects, Part 1', 2024
Isobel Peachey 'Shells', 2024, oil on linen panel, 30 x 40 cm
Isobel Peachey 'Woolgathering #1 & Woolgathering #2', 2023, oil on linen panel, 12 x 30 cm each
Laura Hopes 'Bounders', 2023 bracken, straw, cane, florist’s foam, 60 cm diameter each
Jonty Lees 'Work in progress', 2023-4, wood, ceramic, beeswax, gesso, acrylic paint, bronze, dimensions variable
Installation view, 'Uncertain Objects, Part 1', 2024
Neil Rumming 'Have we met before, or we have met before, but I decided to pretend that it was the first time we had met, so it felt new and exciting, like a first date', 2023, aluminium cans, heat reflecting foil, aluminium foil, aluminium tape, rivets, heat resistant paint, acrylic on canvas, 97 x 61 cm
Nina Murdoch 'Studies for Soffia il Vento and Stoppa e Vanna (Lake Como paintings)', 2023, watercolour on gesso, 30 x 24 cm each
Simon Lee Dicker 'see-an-enemy', 2022-23, stoneware clay, iron oxide, glaze, MDF, dimensions variable
Pat O’Connor 'Stare', 2020-24, oil on gesso board, 42.4 x 32.3 x 4.8 cm framed and 'Chocolate', 2000-2004, oil on gesso board, 28.7 x 21.6 x 1.9 cm framed
Harry Meadows 'Whippy', 2021, wind direction meter, ceramic waffle cone, resin laminated sand bag, ratchet strap, powder coated steel, 200 x 100 x 70 cm
Robin Tarbet 'It's the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine)', 2024, concrete, vinyl, dimensions variable
Tamara Dubnyckyj 'Arranged', 2023, oil on canvas, 46 x 61 cm; 'Hooks', 2023 oil on canvas 61 x 46 cm
All images © Copyright the artists
Photography: Tom Hull