Brighid Black
I am an artist, writer and researcher living in Teesdale, North East England, currently in the third year of a practice based PhD at Northumbria University.
I work across a variety of media, including performance, moving image works and assemblages based on my encounters with the land, as well as drawing and print. More recently, my research has focused on subterranean environments. My working process involves walking, gathering video and film footage, prints, photographs, and recording sounds. My research is interdisciplinary. Working with archaeological assemblages, built structures, and landscapes, recently a Neolithic tomb on Orkney, and a cave site in the North Pennines, my interest in archaeology and prehistoric lifeways encompasses research into contemporary perceptions and narratives around these sites. Evolving from this is speculative enquiry, through performance, into the possibilities for human/non-human exchanges and an expanded understanding of community through ritual. Other influences on my practice include anthropology, geology, botany, mythology, folklore, magic and literature.
Education
PhD in Visual and Material Cultures, University of Northumbria, Newcastle (2021-present)
Master of Research in Arts, University of Northumbria, Newcastle (2018-2020, part-time)
Art and Archaeology: Contemporary Theory and Practice (Masters level module), University of the Highlands and Islands, Orkney, (2018)
BA Honours in Fine Art, University of Northumbria, Newcastle (2004-2007)
Diploma in Art Foundation Studies, New College Durham (2002-2004, part-time)
Law Society Final Examination, Newcastle Polytechnic (1989-1990)
Common Professional Examination in Law, Newcastle Polytechnic (1988-1989)
BA Honours in Combined Studies: Ancient History and Greek and Roman Culture, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne (1985-1988)
Exhibitions/ Performances/Screenings
2024 - participation in Deep Time Bodies (Dance Improvisation), led by Dr Liz Pavey, Great North Museum Hancock, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England
2023 - Past Lives (performance), Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes, North Yorkshire, England
2020 - Singing Over the Bones (performance), Baltic 39 Experimental Studio, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England
2017 - Telling in Full, The Peter Scott Gallery, Lancaster University, Lancaster, England
2015 - Otherscapes, 59 Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham, England (open studio, at Food Festival, supported by Navigator North)
2014 - Eulogy, Vane, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
2013 - Anti-Angels: The Medieval Other, St.Peter Hungate, Norwich, England
2012 - Shadows, Constantine Gallery, University of Teesside, Middlesbrough, England
2011 - Clear Spot - Soanyway presents...'Whichever way' radio broadcast of audio work, Resonance 104.4FM, London, England
2010 - AFTER, Gallery of Wonder, Kings Walk, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England (solo exhibition)
2008 - Grey Area: Banality of Violence, GDK: Galerie Der Kunst, Potsdamer Strasse, Berlin, Germany
2007 - CARTES FLUX Vol. 2, Espoo Cultural Centre, Tapiola, Finland
2007 - SIMULTAN 07, Timisoara, Romania
2007 - Work To Do: self-organisation in precarious working conditions, Shedhalle, Seestrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
2007 - Vertical Festival, Barcelona, Spain
2006 - PROJEKTOR, Cafe Gallery Projects, Southwalk Park, London
Residencies
2017 - Dark Skies Residency - Allenheads Contemporary Arts, Northumberland, England
2011 - Artists Access to Art Colleges, Teesside University, Middlesborough, England
2008 - Factory Nights By Day, Rednile Projects, Mecca Bingo, Wallsend, England
Publications
Nichols, B.G. /Nairne, B.G. (Editorial and Creative Direction), (2023) Echtrai Journal. Edition 3. AnMor.
Nichols, B.G. /Nairne, B.G. (Editorial and Creative Direction), and Hudson, M., Hesse, E. (Associate Editors), (2022) Echtrai Journal. Edition 1. AnMor.
Sappho, M. and McPherson, H. (Editors), (2021) The Mass: Mythos, 2021 (audio work) [online].
Nichols, B.G. /Nairne, B.G. (Editorial and Creative Direction) and Hudson, M., Hesse, E. (Associate Editors), (2021) Echtrai Journal. Pilot Edition. AnMor.
Aldobranti (ed.), (2019) Critical Moss: Art beyond the Bubble. edizioi Fornio Fosco.
Other
2013 - Co-director Run of the Mill Arts Collective, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Curation
2008 - Sarah Pucill: A Retrospective, Star and Shadow Cinema, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
Awards
2012 - Oppenheim-John Downes Trust Fund - for production costs for moving image work
Community Workshops
2015 - Photography Workshop - YMCA Enriching Rural Lives Project, County Durham
2013- An Introduction to Silk Painting at Cockfield Community Cafe, outreach for Jack Drum Arts, Colour Your Life Programme, funded by NHS and Durham County Council
