Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey

Juxtaposing Nature and Structure, Control and Randomness. Idea of different presentation...why does a photograph need to be restricted to paper? Getting rid of these restrictions and challenging this idea of a 'photograph'.



Sunbathers, 2000
Photosynthetic "photograph" on grass
dimensions variable

Artist statment from Paradise Now Exhibition:

'We are exploring the capacity of grass to record complex photographic images through the production of chlorophyll. The equivalent of the tonal range in a black-and-white photograph is produced in the yellow and green shades of living grass. Although these organic "photographs" are exhibited in a fresh state for a short time, excessive light or lack of it eventually corrupts the visibility of the image.'

'Stranded' 
Ackroyd and Harvey. Retrieved mink whale skeleton, with alum crystals grown over it.


It's the actual crystal growth I find interesting, and the skeleton as a vehicle for that works perfectly, as a skeleton is something that is very much associated with death and decay, and for it to be presented in a light where it is a growing, almost living organism is fascinating.  

Liquid Experiments- Installation?

'Cacao', Helen Chadwick

Ernesto Neto

I was so excited when I heard (a while back) that Ernesto Neto was exhibiting his work at London's Hayward gallery. I have been interested in his work for a long time, but up till then (19 June- 5 September 2010) I had been unable to see it in the flesh. Ernesto Neto creates large scale installation pieces, transforming spaces by stretching nylon across them, which he then fills with spices and herbs.

I love these almost alien environments he creates, which invite the viewer to interact with the piece, by touching it and smelling it, making them really 'investigate' it.


I find it hard to pin point what it is about my work and sometimes other artists' work that attracts me. I think I can certainly say that one thing that really interests me, is anything that is bizarre and out of the ordinary. I like seeing weird and wonderful things I've never seen before.