Japan Water at GroundWork Gallery in King's Lynn

Japan Water, GroundWork Gallery's current exhibition, is attracting some wonderful reactions and comments from visitors. Not only is it full of spectacular images, but they are thought-provoking, causing us to reflect, literally, on the qualities of our water. So, join us and some starry speakers for some fascinating water events. The first, on the Purity of Water, is part of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival on 21st May. The second, on the Power of Water is on 25 June, just a week after the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. Details are below.

The Purity of Water May 21st, 2 - 4 BST (on Zoom)

Mirror Pond by Nana Shiomi is one of the images which made us realise that we should start our thinking from the work in the exhibition. Crystal clarity is something quite special to Japan's water and present in many striking images. But how does that relate to real life? Is it an ideal, or does it hide deeper problems of pollution? Is the cleanliness and clarity of water something we share in the UK?
In the company of a number of specialists in different fields we will spend an afternoon talking about pure water and the environment.

Speakers include
Keynote 1: Professor Veronica Strang (Environmental anthroloplogist and author of The Meaning of Water)
Nana Shiomi (exhibiting artist
Isao Miura (exhibiting artist)
Jonah Tosney (Norfolk Rivers Trust)
Louise Bleach (Water Purification expert, Desolenator)
Matthew Whaley ( Water consultant, Arup)

Further details and booking: https://www.groundworkgallery.com/events/the-purity-of-water/
Click through here to book via Eventbrite direct

The Power of Water
June 25th,  2-6 BST (on Zoom)

This event starts from the work of Jonathan Meuli on the immense power of the wave, and from Hakan Topal's ongoing research about catastrophe and international waters. This led him to 2 artistic residencies in Japan and research in Miyagi Prefecture, to examine the  impacts on the coastal communities of the devastating Tsunami, earthquake and nuclear power disasters of 2011.
As well as discussing the power of water as a physical phenomenon and as a political force, we will talk about responses to water disasters, and some of their impacts on arts and heritage.

Speakers include
Keynote 2: Professor Veronica Strang (Environmental anthropologist and author of the Meaning of Water)
Jonathan Meuli (exhibiting artist)
Hakan Topal (exhibiting artist)
Makoto Takahashi (scientist, Technical University, Munich)
Simon Kaner (director Sainsbury Institute for Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures)
Jack Heslop (water engineer, WSP)
Adrian Favell (Professor of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds)

Further details and booking: https://www.groundworkgallery.com/events/the-power-of-water/
Click through here to book via Eventbrite direct
 
We are delighted to be included as part of Norfolk and Norwich Festival - which starts in a few days, and with quite a few events you can actually join physically! There is also this online discussion event which might be of interest: https://nnfestival.org.uk/whats-on/why-biennials-2/
 
And while on the subject of festivals, you might be interested a new one starting this year. EA Festival will be based in the grounds of the beautiful venue of Castle Hedingham and taking place from 31st July - 1st August. Largely based around East Anglian talent, it is 'showcasing creative leaders in art and culture', including many well-known media personalities. As one of its programming strands, it is featuring the environment as a subject for discussion and entrepreneurship. 
 
There is a lot more to tell you, and there are some exciting GroundWork Gallery projects coming up for the remainder of the year. They will feature in following mailings, but in the meantime, have a look at the website for info. 
https://www.groundworkgallery.com/groundwork_projects/extraction-projects/
https://www.groundworkgallery.com/groundwork_projects/extraction-projects/

And please do come and visit !!!
Japan Water is open Wednesday to Saturday 11-4 until 31st July
No need to book - just come