Inspired by a photograph of a bombed out church in London by Lee Miller and the rich history of Plymouth’s wartime experience, artist Holly Davey has developed a body of work that captures a moment within Plymouth’s history that is universal and still resonates today. Cody Hugill reviews the exhibition:
Holly Davey’s – Here Is Where We Came From is a sculpture piece, which I believe is meant to provide an insight of memories and history for any generation to show the impact World War II has had on Plymouth. What I believe makes this piece particularly interesting is the initial look for first time audience viewers, it is about what it doesn’t say. With no knowledge or background of the piece I was intrigued of the reasoning and purpose of this project. I believe it is in two parts, first the typical display. The glass case and box objects, for the audience to look into; it creates a clear separation of you and the objects in the case.
But the second part is the atypical, the bricks invading the space; pouring out from the case and onto the floor. I see the symbolism of this is the strength of the piece. It shows how during the Blitz it was invading day-to-day life; whether you liked it or not. Furthermore, I see the correlation between the inspiration for this project and the work itself. In Lee Millers photograph you see bricks pouring out of the doorway, which has juxtaposition with a sturdy side of the building and what looks like the rubble from the building itself, the typical with the atypical. I considered the main point of this project to be how objects can invoke memory and with this piece it is how the objects are presented.
Cody Hugill
Here is Where We Came From runs from 7 May – 3 September. Holly Davey will give a talk at the Museum and Art Gallery on Tuesday 21 June, 1.10pm-2pm. A related Art Bite talk will also take place at the Museum on Wednesday 22 June, 1pm-1.40pm. Further events will take place in the autumn.
This is Part One of a major commission that marks the closing of the museum for renovation. Part Two will take place in September when the Museum closes its doors for the last time.
