Bordering

Jones, Ruth L; Francis, Jane Lloyd

Abstract

Performance, workshop and exhibition Qube Gallery, Oswestry. 7 October - 8 November 2006. Bordering is an interdisciplinary research project that combines cultural geography with artistic practice to creatively explore the relationship between identity, place and borders. Jones was commissioned by cultural geographer Holly McLaren, (Queen Mary's College, London) to respond to the themes of McLaren's PhD research project: 'Bordering Art: Geography, Collaboration and Creative Practices'. Jones collaborated with Jane Lloyd Francis of Equilibre Horse Theatre (www.carregdressage.co.uk) to create a public art event on the Old Racecourse, Oswestry, titled Ianuae (latin: doorways, gateways, beginnings) involving one white and one black stallion, local musicians and people from the Oswestry area who took part in a 'Moving with Horses' creative workshop.

The project extends Jones' AHRC research fellowship into liminal experiences, identities and human / animal relationships. Through the interaction of the two horses, who enacted the polarity and harmony of opposites, the performance focused on the exchange of energy that occurs when two cultures meet, collide and are altered as a result. The project related to Jones' AHRC fellowship research questions in that it attempted to create a situation where the audience were drawn into a liminal space, in order to provoke questions about the relationship between identity and place in border regions and rural public spaces.

A text relating to the meta-project, Bordering, with essays by Holly McLaren and Sarah Cant was published in April 2007

• Exhibition Performance Type: Exhibition
• Conference Name: Bordering
• Start Date: Oct 7, 2006
• End Date: Nov 8, 2006
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2008
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1436349