Rachel Cornish: Solo Exhibition
Wed 7 May – Sat 17 May 2008

Events:

Public Opening: Wed 7 May 5:30 – 7:30pm, ALL WELCOME
Visiting Artist Talk: Wed 14 May, Room 3.15 (PCAD) FREE

Artist’s Statement:

Rachel Cornish’s work explores the human experience of what it is that is referred to as ‘now’ - the essence of ‘being here now’. Through the study of relevant philosophical approaches, neuroscientific advances and spiritual belief systems, and using a range of media, she creates work that brings a tangible awareness to aspects of this experience.

“Now is like a single frame taken from a roll of film, and it is also the whole film. It is embedded within a complex network of memories and expectations, yet it is neither the past nor the future. Lao-tzu once said that something and nothing produce each other. The line between nothing and everything becomes blurred.”

“It is through a dialogue with various cameras and recording devices that I attempt to reach a deeper understanding of the experience of ‘now’, but there are no answers, only more questions.”

Cornish works with time-based media. Each of her works creates a contemplative experience, as she playfully explores ideas stimulated by Heidegger, Edelman, Heraclitus, Lao-tzu and others - the most ordinary becomes extra-ordinary.

“’When am I?’ is one of the most puzzling questions. If I am somewhere, for example in the presence of a standing stone, when do I begin to be there and when do I stop being there?”

Her practice as an artist has been developing over several years. After completing a BA in Fine Art at the University of Plymouth in 2003, she went on to study for an MA in Visual Performance and Time Based Arts from Dartington College of Arts and completed this in 2006.

Her work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally.

For more information on Rachel’s practice see
http://www.rachelcornish.co.uk