Horizons

Timed to close out a complex year, Horizons invites audiences to explore the horizon line as both a literal and metaphorical construct—an ever-moving destination, where sky meets ground, never fully attainable but always present. This concept transcends the tangible, existing only through thought and perception, and evokes ideas of change, renewal, and limitless possibility.

Featuring specially commissioned artworks, Horizons showcases new works that embody themes of vision and transformation. From evocative landscapes to abstract interpretations, the exhibition offers a contemplative experience, encouraging fresh perspectives during a reflective time of year.

EXHIBITION FOREWORD At its core, Horizons delves into notions of vision, both literal and symbolic. In real terms, the word triggers ideas of vast fields of view, of unique perspectives, or sites of exploration. Beyond the geographic however, the term embodies a more metaphysical interpretation, reflecting ideas of greater clarity, of understanding one’s place in time and space, or of navigating aspirations and goals.

German philosopher Hans-Georg Gadamer’s notion that “to acquire a horizon means that one learns to look beyond what is close at hand – not in order to look away from it but to see it better” encapsulates the essence of this exhibition. The artists have been asked to conceptualise the horizon line as both a literal and metaphorical construct. The horizon, that infinite place where the sky meets ground, is an ever moving target. It is not a place we can ever finally get to - it moves as we do. In this way the concept of the horizon lies not in the tangible truth of the world but is rather a concept that is only measurable and understood through thought and perception. On a cognitive level, the term ‘horizon’ or ‘new horizons’ also conjures up ideas of change, renewal, inexhaustible possibility or of deepening awareness.

The curatorial approach of Horizons aims to centre around the conceptual underpinning of the horizon line itself, its form serving as a unifying element throughout the exhibition. Some artworks featured in the exhibition draw inspiration from the representational image of the horizon line, encompassing various mediums such as landscape painting, photography, or field recordings, while others transcend the observable, delving into realms of symbolism, self awareness or pure abstraction, reflecting the boundless potential of the inner life and conceptual thought. Viewed in purely abstract terms the physical nature of the horizontal line, its geometric plotted trajectories or triangulations lends itself to exploring ideas of the mathematical and the infinite.

The goal of Horizons is to provide audiences with a contemplative space in which the interplay between each artwork invites both feelings of introspection and exploration. From evocative landscapes capturing the essence of place to abstract interpretations symbolizing renewal and the inexhaustible, we hope this exhibition supports an experience of positive renewal.
Phe Luxford, MA Art Curatorship