About.
The work of artist duo Annie Nelson and Chris Woodward strives to offer alternatives to a fast paced society, interrogating our perpetual desire for quick fixes and fast solutions, whilst challenging the audience to move away from predetermined viewpoints. Through an interest in their environment, how it has been shaped both physically and socially, they explore the stories of people and places.
The resulting work is multi-disciplinary, utilising a variety of materials and hand craft to realise sculpture, installation and intervention. It often involves intense methods of working, repetition and process, such as Bollard Mandala (2015), 2000 handmade ceramic bollards or Bricks of Soap (2019) the production of 800 soaps cast live during their exhibition at Ty Pawb, Wrexham.
The duo considers the role of the viewer as pro-active and important, devising the setting of the work and designing the encounter. To this end they may ask the audience to play a part in the work in some way. Narrative also plays a key role in their work, sourced from historical research or audience engagement, this can then directly or in-directly influence an artwork such as Salvaged Stories (2018-2019). Their sculptural sand interventions Border Control & Welcome Matt (2016) created obstructions on a beach that diverted people's navigation. Although these physical obstructions could be simply stepped over or washed away they created psychological barriers that enticed the audience to reflect on the work beyond its initial pleasure.
There is awareness in the work of the conditioning of consumer's attention spans to be brief by the inherent quality of advertising. In using strong imagery, graphics, and colour the work entices the audience by giving them initial gratification whilst the painstaking making processes show a commitment to the importance of the subject matter and is in contrast to our throw away society.
CV.
Yoke
Annie Nelson b. 1987, Leicester, UK
Chris Woodward b. 1987, Preston, UK
Education
2015
City and Guilds Carpentry & Joinery [A.N]
2010
B.A. (Hons) Fine Art (1stClass), Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds [A.N]
2007
BTEC Diploma Art and Design (Distinction) DMU, Leicester [A.N]
2010
B.A. (Hons) Fine Art (2:1), Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds [C.W]
2007
Diploma Art and Design (Distinction), Runshaw College [C.W]
Solo Exhibitions
2019
Undercurrent, The Art House Wakefield, Also showcased as part of the Knitting & Stitching touring show at Alexandra Palace - London, RDS - Dublin & Harrogate international centre.
We Can Only See Today, Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham
2017
This Season’s Must Have, Blam! Produzenten Galerie, Dortmund Germany
Selected Group Exhibitions
2016
Out Of Bounds, Leeds Print Cooperative Gallery, Leeds
2015
Leeds/Bilbao Residency Exchange Exhibition, Poca Gallery, Spain,
2015
Wrecsam Art Vend, Wales
2014
I Know You; You Can Come With Me, Oriel Wrecsam, Wales
Colonize Revisited, Arena Studios and Gallery, Liverpool
Colonize’ Jamestown, New York
Awards, Residencies and Commissions
2019
Artist Reality, Nourish, YVAN (Yorkshire Visual Arts Network)
Akkyduck, Arts Council England Project Grant
2018
Wakefield Arts Partnership micro commision
2017
Ideas That Unify Us, YVAN (Yorkshire Visual Arts Network)
2015
BilbaoArte Fundazioa, exchange residency
Inc. Workshop, Leeds [C.W]
2014
Hove Festival Artist in Residence, Norway [C.W]
2013
Orange and Green Skills for Sustainable Futures, Sustainable Design, Built Environment, Cordoba, Spain [A.N]
2011
Enjoy Artspace, Artist in Residence, Leeds [C.W]
2009
Cyprus School of Art [A.N]
Selected Curatorial Projects
2015
Woolgather’s Art Vent, Arts Council England Project Grant
2012
Woolgather Art Prize, Arts Council England Project Grant
2011
Bring Your Own Art Weekend, Leeds
Woolagther’s Art Prize, Leeds
Publications/Press
2019