Through her ongoing interest in the subject of self-care, Liverpool-based artist Frances Disley investigated Hull’s rich heritage around food, with an exhibition that featured sculpture, painting, textiles and plant life. The Cucumber Fell in the Sand was supported by an extensive programme of activities, events and take home objects that celebrated the goodness of people and nature.

The exhibition was devised in collaboration with artists Gregory Herbert, CBS Studios (Joseph Hulme, Liam Peacock & Theo Vass) and Foodsketz (Alison Claire & Cat Smith). Each of the artists collectively explored the philosophies of American architect and systems theorist Buckminister Fuller as well as Hull’s own Joseph Rank of Joseph Rank Limited. Both, pioneers in environmentalism and food production.

The two-floor exhibition examined our relationship with food through living sculptures. Gallery 1 focussing on scent disseminating devices which enhance relaxation, rest and reflection. The exhibition continued to Gallery 2 with mobile planters filled with vegetables and scented plants associated with stimulation and energy as well as sculptural filtration systems that explored how food is produced commercially.

ARTIST BIOS

Frances Disley is based in Liverpool at The Royal Standard and recently a Liverpool Biennial Associate Artist, exhibiting at Baltic 39, Newcastle “We are where we are” and Suttie Arts Space Grampian Hospital Arts Trust, Aberdeen “Mustard Blanket”.

Gregory Herbert lives and works in Liverpool, Herbert is a former Director of The Royal Standard and currently studying MA Fine Art at Manchester Metropolitan University.

FoodSketz (est. 2015) is a collaboration between Cat Smith & Alison Clare with a focus on food and drink as a tool for conversation, collaboration & community. Smith and Clare both work as chefs and since 2015 have taken part in residencies at TASC Studio Kitchen, Bergen and Mobile Autonomy, Antwerp.

CBS Gallery, established in 2015 by artists Joseph Hulme, Liam Peacock & Theo Vass is an exhibition space, workshop and studios based in Liverpool. It functions as a social workspace for emerging artists and hosts regular events programmed by the three directors, studio group and wider artistic community.