Helen Acklam
I use practice-led research, documentation, and an interdisciplinary approach to explore the space I inhabit as a mother without children. My work is currently influenced by my engagement with the materials and landscape of the Garw Valley, South Wales, which serves as a conduit for exploring grief and maternal narratives.
Having grown up in this mining area, I am interested in the impacts of industrialisation and colonisation and how these forces have impacted the individual, community and land. My work bridges my adolescent experiences with my current identity, and delves into themes of feminism, (m)otherhood and disenfranchisement.
I am dedicated to fostering artistic collaboration in Bristol, setting up The Launderette in 2023 - a permanent residency and project space located in Stokes Croft, Bristol. You can find more information at https://thelaunderette.org
CV
I am an active member of the South West arts’ community - a Spike Island Associate (2015), Artist Network Member RWA (2016).
2023 member of Space Place Practice, an artist research hub, Bath Spa University
2023 founded the Launderette – a permanent project space in Stokes Croft, Bristol
2022 member of Throes of Grief, (TOG) an artist led research initiative exploring themes of Grief
2022 recipient of DYCP, Arts Council England: Project ‘What it is to be There’
2022 research Development Award, ‘The Generativity of Materials: Creativity, Memory and Place’ University of Wales, TSD - part of the Impact Accelerator Programme (RIAP) – with Professor Louise Steel & Assoc. Professor Lesel Dawson (The Grief Channel)
2021 funded research project, Brigstow Institute, University of Bristol with Ass. Professor Lesel Dawson and Dr. Julian Brigstocke.
2019 founded The Garage – a permanent residency space, closed 2023
2016 set up The Unit: a temporary residency space in St James shopping Arcade Bristol.
2014 MA Fine Art (Distinction ), University of Brighton
recent exhibitions 2023 - 2024
Nov-Mar’24 Group exhibition ’inside:outside’ at Oriel y Bont Gallery, University of South Wales.
Oct-Jan’24 Group exhibition of international artists ‘At a Loss’ at Barry and Penarth, Sth Wales.
Sept 23 Return exchange with Durden & Ray, Los Angeles at The Launderette, Stokes Croft.
May 23 Solo exhibition and workshops with local women at The Factory, Porth.
Selection of residencies and talks:
July 2024 Invited speaker + workshop, NSU Copenhagen: Transformative & Emancipatory Processes in Artistic Research.
Feb 2024 Invited speaker, NSU Helsinki, Finland. Transformative & Emancipatory Processes in Artistic Research.
April 2023 Residency and women’s workshops at The Factory, Porth.
Nov 2022 Invited speaker (1 of 2) + exhibition of work at launch of a Unesco-Bridges Hub at University of Wales: E(e)arth : Focus – use of earth as indigenous people.
July 2022 Residency at Garw Valley, Sth Wales to collaborate with invited artists.
June 2022 Residency at The Garage with Tommy Cha (sound) and Matteo Amadio (audio visual)
2013 Residency at Royal Sussex Hospital - https://helenacklam.weebly.com
Year long residency in disused block that had been maternity and children’s wards.
Funding awards :
2022 Recipient of DYCP, Arts Council England: Project ‘What it is to be There’ (till April ‘23)
2022 Research Development Award, ‘The Generativity of Materials: Creativity, Memory and Place’ University of Wales, TSD - part of the Impact Accelerator Programme (RIAP) – with Professor Louise Steel & Assoc. Professor Lesel Dawson. Two further workshops to practically consider the above.
2021 Awarded Ideas Exchange, Brigstow Institute: enabled me to set up workshop inviting interdisciplinary group of artist and academic researchers exploring Grief, Place and the Earth.
Selection of past exhibitions:
Royal West of England Academy, Bristol (2016, 2018, 2020 & 2021)
Wales Contemporary, London (2021 & 2022), Deptford X (2015)
Wells Art Contemporary, Somerset (2019 & 20)
Art Habens Biennial (2019), Turps Banana painters ‘Cosmic Fishing’ (2019)
Whitenoise Projects, The Crypt London (2019)
BabyForest (2018)
Tate Exchange with Spike Island Associates (2017)
Spike Associates at Spike Open Studios (2017)
Wing Art Gallery, Sussex (2016)
Spike Island Test Space (2016)
Flux @ Royal College of Art (2015)
Strata @ Clerkenwell (2015)
