Untitled – Artist residency

Untitled Residency

Untitled was a local residency opportunity offered by Artcore in the medium of drawing.

As human beings, we have always been involved in mark making; traditionally, ritualistically, as a means of recording, expressing as well as communicating with each other. Drawings, be it on the floor, wall, cave, paper or canvas are everywhere. However, they are rarely thought of as works of art. The history of drawing too encompasses the history of drawing as a technique, as secondary to creating the final artwork—a finished painting, sculpture, fresco or manuscript. A marker of artistic ability, drawing was an intermediate practice or a process of unfolding that always pointed to a future.

The advent of modernism and postmodernism however, changed the way artists perceived the technique. Drawing finally became a medium in its own right and was valued for its immense potential and ability to aid in experimentation, in the face of new media, technologies and concerns.

More than half a century down the line, our ways of creating are undergoing a rapid change, particularly now as we have shifted to a completely digital era, post-covid. Keeping this in mind, what does it mean to think of the medium today, in contemporary art practice and the larger world?

The residency saw the participation of Derbyshire-based artists Nicki Dennett and Emily Bottomer.

Untitled Exhibition

Untitled was an exhibition showcasing the works of artists Nicki Dennett and Emily Bottomer, who had recently completed a two-month residency at Artcore. During this time, they focused on exploring the art of drawing and its significance in their practices.

Nicki Dennett, based in Derbyshire, was inspired by nature, landscapes, and human emotions. Her artwork captured the energy and liveliness of the natural world. Emily Bottomer, also from Derby, explored her identity and past experiences as a working-class British woman who grew up in a mixed Christian setting. Using graphite, charcoal, and paints, she created artwork that explored the interplay between shadows, darkness, and vivid colours, delving into her personal journey.

During their residency, Nicki and Emily experimented with various scales and techniques, emphasising the significance of mark making. Nicki explored different brushes and mixed mediums, while Emily worked with traditional mediums like graphite. Their artistic exploration resulted in a diverse collection of artworks.

This exhibition celebrated the creative processes of Nicki Dennett and Emily Bottomer during their residency. It invited viewers to explore the intersection of their artistic practices and the impact of mark making on their artworks.