Edge of Dark Essay – Penny Florence

NSA member Penny Florence has written a very interesting and pertinent essay about the recent Edge of Dark exhibition. Entitled Edge of Dark – Curating Under Covid. Reflections on the Group Show in actuality, virtually, in the rural ‘Provinces’ and how BLM matters everywhere. In the introduction to the essay she writes:

It is an exploration of the way that art can clarify the interrelation between some of the broader issues of our time: political and social fragmentation, artistic activity beyond the great acknowledged centres, and aspects of the impact of the virtual on the visual arts. Covid-19 is a part of this, not a separate phenomenon.

It is also a conversational tour round the show with guest curator Jesse Leroy Smith, where he talks about his approach to curating – ‘selecting a number of key works, placing
them and then designing the hang in response’. You can read the the PDF of the essay here.

Jesse Leroy Smith, all photos ©Steve Tanner