Fern Thomas

Constellation considers the need for new guiding images as we bear witness to climate collapse. The installation shares a selection of ‘tools’ and symbols – the beginnings of a new language - as images for navigation. Focusing on the image of Aquarius, the ‘water bearer', as constellation and astrological sign, this ancient constellation (a symbol of new beginnings and grassroots action) is offered as a tool for re-storying these mythic times. As, in the words of Sufi teacher Emmanuel Vaughan Lee, 'the shifts that are unfolding are so monumental—they are mythic [...] we cannot understand them unless we use the language of myth.’

For this work two vibrational essences were created as supportive tools for these times. One ‘Age of Aqiarius’ and the other ‘Bearing Witness’. A ‘Bearing Witness’ worksheet was also created as a takeaway item in the gallery space.

Constellation is part of a group exhibition gludafael / holdfast with artists Kathryn Ashill, Angela Davies, Kirsti Davies, Dylan Huw, Durre Shahwar, Rhys Slade-Jones, Fern Thomas, Heledd Wyn at Glynn Vivian Art Gallery. The artists were brought together through the 2022 Future Wales Fellowship, an opportunity developed by Natural Resources Wales and the Arts Council of Wales as part of the Creative Nature Programme, supporting artists to research the impact climate change has on everyday life. This exhibition has been commissioned by Natural Resources Wales, supported by the Arts Council of Wales and Glynn Vivian, and developed with curator Louise Hobson. 

The exhibition runs from Friday 24 November 2023 - Sunday 10 March 2024.