The Living Room

“ ‘Community’ is nowadays another name for paradise lost – but one to which we dearly hope to return…” Zygmunt Bauman.

‘The Living Room’ explores the notion of ‘community’ in the context of regeneration. Already a much debated issue, the word ‘community’ takes on greater importance within neighbourhood renewal programmes as we search for a sense of security, coherence and co-operation. However, the realities of community and what it means in modern society can offer a darker, less comforting picture.
It is these two opposing qualities of security and fear that form the basis of this creative exploration in the village of Fegg Hayes. Textile Artist Rachel Grant will be using an established process of research, investigation and engagement to create a body of work to be ‘discovered’ within the everyday movements of a residential community.

Rachel Grant

Rachel Grant is a textile artist whose mixed media work explores the link between inheritance, identity and community, particularly in relation to Stoke-on-Trent where she lives and works.
Within this project Rachel is commissioning artist Helen Berrow to produce a sound piece and photographic projections. Helen works predominantly with photography and has an interest in empty domestic spaces and the notion of ‘home’ being a place of stability and security.