TEARING UP THE MAPS
MARIA CHRISTOFORIDOU

In collaboration with Black Voices Cornwall

13 JUNE / 7 - 9PM
THE SCHOOL ROOM, ART CENTRE PENRYN
FREE EVENT

Tearing up the maps is an evening of short talks exploring the work of two artists of African heritage, Otobong Nkanga and Precious Okoyomon.

These contemporary artists investigate the affects of colonialism on the landscape, the movement of people, plants and ideas. We will consider what is decolonisation, if such a thing exists, how does a diaspora operate and how can art create subtle activisms at the intersection of magic and science.  

Making connections between the local and the global, Penryn based artist Katie Etheridge will draw on recent research by her company Small Acts to give a micro-talk about Cornwall’s unique and complex role in the history of global plant collecting. 

Audiences are invited to join or listen to a discussion after the talks. 

This one-off event is part of a programme at Art Centre Penryn to test ideas for new creative groups, and has been developed in conversation with Abi Hutchinson from Black Voices Cornwall.

Attendees will have the option to give their feedback afterwards – all responses will help us shape a future community programme of regular activities. 

Free event. Limited places available on the door. Booking recommended to avoid disappointment.

ABOUT MARIA CHRISTOFORIDOU

Maria Christoforidou is a Zambian Greek artist, writer, and researcher. Maria moved to Cornwall in the last millennium to study Fine Art and is now tied to the sea.  Maria, inspired by collaboration, uses different formats – text, video, photography, sound, performances and workshops – to explore similarities and the current possibilities for connection between plants, humans and other animals.  Questioning in various archives how words and images shape our worldview, Maria likes to listen to the body and make up stories about what could have been to discover how things can be. Maria is a Fine Art lecturer at Falmouth University.   

ABOUT KATIE ETHERIDGE

As part of Small Acts, artist Katie Etheridge works with people and places to make socially engaged performances and live art projects. Since 2011 Katie Etheridge & Simon Persighetti have developed a unique collaborative practice that explores the intersection between architecture, community, place and performance. Specialising in face-to-face connection, they create extraordinary experiences that bring individuals and communities together through small acts that make a big difference. 

Find out more about the Plant Navigations project here.

RESOURCES FROM EVENT

Otobong Nkanga
https://vimeo.com/99134611

Precious Okoyomon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICBdCb_-elo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlPE0BgL790

Black Voices Cornwall’s Actively Anti-racist Training
Book here.