living in fear of quicksand, solo exhibition

living in fear of quicksand

living in fear of quicksand is a solo exhibition by Maria Amidu comprising new artworks and archival material that unfolds across two locations in Bow - the Nunnery Gallery and Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives. The title of the exhibition, alluding to an ever-present sense of danger and subtly contextualising the artworks within the 1970s, examines the fragmentary nature of memory in relation to a fragile experience of home.

A limited edition print work­ - 25 years in the making and the genesis of living in fear of quicksand, a film piece, a sound work, a text-based installation and a bespoke paint colour are being exhibited for the first time. The print work - a memoir of sorts - traces the artist’s early childhood living in Sleaford House on the historic Lincoln Estate (within walking distance of the gallery); growing up in state care in Bexhill-on-Sea; and consequential experiences in her adult life.

The exhibition continues a short bus ride away at the Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives. Here the focus is placed on the architectural and social history of the Lincoln Estate and the artist’s brief place within it.

From among the extensive collections held at the Archives Maria has unearthed council correspondence, plans, drawings and newspaper cuttings about the Estate - material that has played an integral role in the development of the resulting artworks. A selection of these historic records are on show alongside some items from the artist’s personal archive and accompanied by a timeline documenting the development of the Estate.  

living in fear of quicksand first began to emerge in 2005 after Maria Amidu devised a project for looked after children with the Foundling Museum, London. The exhibition has been conceived by the artist in collaboration with independent curator Gemma Lloyd. Maria Amidu also worked closely with Dubmorphology (Trevor Mathison and Gary Stewart) on 1973, and Sunday night, the new paint colour was mixed in partnership with Dulux. The development of the artist’s new work and the exhibition is supported by Arts Council England and supporters who wish to remain anonymous.