The project centres on artistic responses to the climate emergency. Each saltmarsh location is home to vital ecosystems which play integral parts in tidal wetland systems and in sequestering global marine carbon. The three artists are responding to each of these sites individually and collectively through a process of collaboration and partnership with the three organisations.
Based around an initial travelling residency, with each artist spending time in each location, a project has evolved drawing upon ways to engage with the climate emergency specific to each coast. As a whole, DELUGE considers the place and value of contemporary practice to further critical debate within the field of climate arts.
The three artists have commenced their residencies in 2022 with each artist visiting the other two locations in a relay-style method, visiting and meeting with each pairing organisation. A series of public engagement events took place as part of the 2023 Art Walk Porty Vessel programme, as well as at Art Gene in Barrow. An exhibition of works is now planned for Art Gene (Barrow in Furness) during February 2025.
With thanks to Art Gene (Barrow-in-Furness) and University of Groningen in enabling this project to take place.
Above image: Oscar van Heek 2022
About the artists
Linde Ex is an artist, artistic researcher and teacher. She lives and works in Groningen, the Netherlands. Linde is interested in other-than- human perspectives in an ecological context. Her work process can be described as a series of attempts to explore and create connections and understandings between humans and more-than-human-others. Linde works from a broad research approach. She often works together with other art disciplines and scientists who stimulate her to consider other perspectives.
Dana Olărescu is a socially engaged artist with a focus on challenging minority exclusion and environmental injustice. Through participatory methodologies that democratise access to art and knowledge, she aims to give agency to underserved migrant groups so they can become active co-producers of culture.
Oscar van Heek is an Edinburgh-based film-maker and fine art photographer. Recent projects include Dark Water, an experimental collaboration with Scottish Opera that draws upon computer art subcultures, and The Iron Harvest, a video installation and series of prints detailing the detonation of live World War One ammunition on the former battle grounds of Ypres, exhibited at Somerset House, London (2019) and Sonica, Glasgow (2022).
Linde Ex 2023 – Barrow-in-Furness, Edinburgh, Waddensea
Dana Olarescu leading walking workshop at Aberlady Saltmarsh (2023), with contributions from Helena Simmons (Green Shores)
Artist Camille Aboudaram leading walking workshop session around billboard sites of Portobello 2023 (in association with Dana Olarescu)
Curator Anna-Rosja Haveman (University of Groningen) talk at Art Walk Hub 2023
Upcoming
‘Land-shapes, Sooth-scapes’ Drawing Workshop with Artist Linde Ex
One day workshop – Aberlady Nature Reserve & Portobello Baptist Church Hall
Thu 30 January 2025, 10.30-4pm
What can we discover in the swampy land between the sea and the land? During this artistic walk and drawing workshop, we explore the Aberlady salt marsh landscape with artist Linde Ex (Netherlands). How do we relate to the history of the marsh and the uncertain future due to the changing climate? We will explore local shapes, influences and stories to reacquaint ourselves with the salt marshes.
DELUGE Exhibition at Art Gene, Barrow-in-Furness
Artists: Linde Ex, Dana Olarescu, Oscar Van Heek
Fri 28 February to Fri 28 March 2025, Opening: Thu 27 February 6.30-9pm
‘After the Deluge’ Talks, Conversation & Presentations
from participating artists, ecologists and salt marsh specialists
Fri 28 February 2025, 1-5pm at Art Gene, Barrow-in-Furness
The project initiated by Art Walk Projects in 2022, is created in collaboration with Art Gene (Barrow-in-Furness) and curator Anna-Rosja Haveman (University of Groningen) exploring tidal wetland ecosystems across three sites (Aberlady, East Lothian; Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria; The Waddensea, Groningen, Netherlands) with artists Linde Ex, Dana Olărescu, Oscar Van Heek.
Supported by funding from Creative Scotland.