Artist Alastair Duncan brings his Interactive Tapestry Weaving exhibition to The Base Greenham this summer
This Friday (7 June), The Base, Greenham’s latest exhibition opens, running through until Sunday 14 July, and bringing together craft and technology in a series of interactive tapestries by artist Alastair Duncan. In Alastair Duncan: Interactive Tapestry Weaving, Duncan has integrated interactive audio within his tapestries. Working across fibre, photography and sound, he takes enjoyment from the textural and rhythmic aspects of weaving and explores themes that include landscape, architecture, conflict, communication and interconnection.
Visitors are encouraged to interact with and explore the artwork, which can be activated physically through touch or proximity. This triggers sensors to play soundscapes, some of which evoke the Welsh countryside while others play manipulated dialogue that acts as ghost-like traces of interactions. Given the barriers that often exist in galleries, where touching work is discouraged or policed, Duncan is bringing yet another sensory experience into his work.
Alastair Duncan will be discussing his work in a talk on Thursday 27 June where he will give fascinating insight into his creative process and will explain more about how he brings art, craft and technology together. This is an evening event from 6.30pm to 8pm and will include entry to the exhibition plus a glass of wine or juice.
The Base have programmed a range of workshops and courses for all ages to enjoy, inspired by this exhibition. They include Learn to Weave a Scarf (Sun 9 Jun) where participants will join Emma Baker and Gillian Siggers of TabbyandTweed to learn loom weaving technique and create their very own British wool scarf. Base resident artist, Samantha Emmons, will lead two Experimenting with Textiles and Textures workshops (Sun 23 Jun, 10am: ages 10 – 16 and 1.30pm: 18+) where participants will get to experiment with shapes and patterns found in maps to explore a variety of mixed media techniques including textiles, paints, and dry materials. These workshops include entry to the main exhibition in order to gain inspiration.
Alastair Duncan: Interactive Tapestry Weaving will be at The Base, Greenham, from Friday 7 June to Sunday 14 July (open Wed – Sun, 10am – 5pm). Tickets £0* Base Pass holders, £8.25 full price (£7.25 concs, £5.75 students and groups 10+, under-12s free). To book tickets to the exhibition and related workshops and talk, or for more information, please visit thebasegreenham.co.uk or call 01635 522733.