Preview: Spike Island summer shows

Pictured above: Nina Beier, Female Nude (2015: lodoicea seed, fertilized dirt). Pic: Blaise Adilon

An intriguing pair of shows at Spike Island this summer features, respectively, some familiar objects placed in unfamiliar settings – and an enquiry into the deep allure of cars and horses.

Nina Beier’s European Interiors is a sculpture show full of intriguing materials – and of familiar objects unexpectedly and humorously arranged. Ceramic sinks (complete with plugholes stuffed with huge rolled cigars), bars of luxury soap, charred baguettes, human hair wigs, waterbeds, fertilizer and dog bones occupy Spike Island’s gallery walls, floors and crevices. Some of the materials have strong smells, like the soap and fertilizer, that may repel and delight in equal measure.

“Beier is interested in the meaning objects carry, what is projected onto them and how their value is reinforced,” explains Spike Island curator Vanessa Boni. “Displayed in the entrance of the gallery as if toppled over is Charity Hotel, a bronze imitation of Antonio Canova’s statue The Three Graces stuffed with steel wool. A well-known motif, The Three Graces is an allegory for feminine qualities, reminding us of society’s projections onto the female body. Real hair wigs made in China that imitate a variety of Western hair types are flattened behind glass in dusty pink picture frames.

“The meaning of the exhibition can be found in the title, European Interiors, hinting at how we are continually confronted with hierarchies of power, in the home and on a global scale.”

Alongside Beier’s exhibition is All Rounder: Sad Sale by UWE Fine Art graduate and Spike Island resident artist Harriet Bowman. Bowman’s exhibition draws on a fictional narrative based on the meeting of a car, a horse and her protagonist ‘Fled’ – and explores the artist’s own interest in cars, horses and the language of equestrian advertising. Alongside a series of sculptural works made from leather, ceramic and metal, you’ll find 500 hand-embossed keyrings, offering luck to all.

“I have always been interested in cars,” Harriet explains. “I’m interested in the space cars occupy: a home from home, acting as a family space. As for horses, “I’ve ridden since I was young and as an artist I am exploring the relationship formed between rider and horse – the animal response, in comparison to the stop-start motion of a car.”

Harriet Bowman, ‘Southcott Cross Country Course’

And the exhibition’s title? “‘All-rounder’ is a term used to describe a horse or pony that is safe and laid back but not likely to compete at a high level. An ‘all-rounder’ would be a good pony for someone who is learning to ride – similar to a Seat Ibiza as a first car. It’s modern, has all the safety features, but can’t go too fast and doesn’t cost much to maintain.

“This exhibition has been partly informed by reading ‘for sale’ ads which seem to describe horses and automobiles with a kind of tenderness. One advert reads ‘Safe, sane, sensible and absolutely stunning’.”

Harriet’s research involved experimentation and conversations with various places including Thomas Ware & Sons Tannery, a five-minute walk from Spike. She’s even organised tannery tours for the public alongside the show.

Thomas Ware and Sons tannery, Bristol, photographed by Harriet Bowman

“I once worked in a saddlery, but didn’t learn the leather-working processes for the kind of products we use daily, from shoes and belts to car seats,” Harriet explains. “I have got to know the guys at the tannery and the hugely physical job of tanning.”

“I hope visitors feel intrigued by the materials and processes used to produce these sculptures, as they are vital to the work.”

Nina Beier: European Interiors and Harriet Bowman: All Rounder (Sad Sale) are at Spike Island until Sept 23. For more info, visit www.spikeisland.org.uk/events/forthcoming