Artist-in-residence
Bryan Hawkins
CAT Artist-in-Residence Bryan Hawkins supports the work of the Trust by developing and extending the scope of our important outreach and community projects. He is helping us not only promote archaeology to those who already have a fascination with the subject, but also to those who haven’t.
Bryan is a Canterbury resident, a former teacher and senior lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University, an artist and a writer on the visual arts.
“But do you think there may be ghosts of other things though not of men and women?”
“What things? Flowerbeds and watering pots? Horses and harness?”
“No. sounds”
“What sounds? “
“Cries”
Exhibition
The Ghost of Other Things
Bryan has already presented his first exhibition with CAT – The Ghost of Other Things – Art, Archaeology and Archive – The Rochester Airport Dig 2021/22, showing drawings, paintings, sculptures and a short film at the Rochester Art Gallery inspired by archaeological works at #InnovationParkMedway commissioned by Medway Council.
The title of the exhibition was taken from The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens, an unfinished novel of mystery and detection set in the ancient city of Cloisterham (Dickens re-invention of Rochester).
This extract from the novel gave the exhibition its title and its focus, the human stories and voices emanating from the archaeology, archive and histories of the site.
The exhibition, which attracted more than 3000 visitors over a span of 11 weeks, provided opportunities for visitors to experience a fusion of art, archaeology and archive, and make links to personal stories, imaginings and dreams. These stories extended across generations and time, and beyond the site. A series of workshops run by Bryan and others allowed visitors the opportunity to develop individual and group creative responses to the exhibition material and its curation.
To see images from the exhibition go to the gallery.
Future plans
Bryan says:
The CAT residency is a great opportunity for me to develop my creative practice and ideas through my love of art and archaeology and their contemporary relevance. Collaborations with CAT’s staff and archaeologists, with CAT's communities and with arts organisations and institutions can all play a role in celebrating the riches of our collective heritages, stories and pasts. My role as Artist-in-Residence is evolving. Ongoing discussions, review and planning suggest new potential. I believe I can contribute to CAT's success by adding new elements and audiences and opportunities for involvement. I hope to add to the energy and innovation that has characterised CAT's story to date.
The Trust is looking forward to Bryan developing his work in 2023 through a variety of collaborations. A series of joint projects are in the pipeline - for the latest news on exhibitions, workshops and how to get involved, keep an eye on this page and follow us on social media.
Dates for your diary
For future exhibition and workshop dates follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter.
Bryan's next creative workshop
Sightings, Drawings, Findings, Writings.
Saturday 16th September 2023
East Wear Bay, Folkestone.
All welcome.
For more details follow the link