Learning Curve Gallery, Quay Arts, Sat 1 Oct – Sat 19 Nov

Inspired by the work of Julian Konczak in his most recent exhibition, 'Telenesia' in The West Gallery Quay Arts, 'Digital Gardening' presents a post apocalyptic machine, energized by plant electrolytes and built to transmit human Earth’s final digital transmission.

Motivated by Konczak's ideas on digital wastelands, students discussed transmissions in space, forgotten television and radio broadcasts, secret communication and navigational satellite messaging. The students imagined a human race on the brink after an atmospheric collapse and wondered if they would look to space in hope of rescue.

Over the period of one month, students from Clatterford Tuition Centre took part in digital moving image workshops with Joanne Hummel-Newell. During which students animated on light boxes using sand, made light painting animations using torches and stop motion, recorded live action, and had a go at sound recording and film editing. Students also experimented with installation concepts in the classroom and the gallery, exploring ideas on how to display the project work within a space and thinking about how to give their‘transmission’ a context within the realm of fine art.

Through these creative activities, the digital gardening project has encouraged hard to reach students to re-engage and develop a sense of achievement. During the sessions students were encouraged to work on sustained projects giving a sense of ownership and responsibility. It is hoped that by working in this way students will develop confidence and self esteem, learn about decision-making and remain motivated and focused.

Clatterford Tuition Centre is a pupil Referral Unit, which caters for young people aged between 11-16 years. The centre supports young people, working in key stages 3 and 4, who are at risk of exclusion or who have been permanently excluded from mainstream school.

Digital Gardening is the combination of ideas, activities and collaborations developed by the students after visiting Julian Konczak’s Exhibition, 'Telenesia' in The West Gallery.