Torre Abbey Historic House and Gardens is hosting Smooth Space artist Kate Paxman’s new two part exhibition ‘Mutability’ and ‘Beaten Earth’ from Tuesday 21 July until Thursday 10 September.
Kate has just completed her year-long residency at Torre Abbey which started in June 2014. Her period of research began not long after Torre Abbey re-opened to the public following the second phase of an extensive Heritage Lottery funded restoration project. Kate became captivated by the building, viewing it as part of its extensive collections and her work reflects this fascination.
Built over 800 years ago, Torre Abbey is a historic house, museum, gallery and scheduled monument and carries its history in its reconfigured spaces – from the smashed and broken remnants of its Medieval church to disappeared corridors and hidden rooms.
Mutability, a huge projected animation, and Beaten Earth, a temporary event of performed ‘excavations’ in the Medieval Cellarer’s Undercroft, are reflections on defining the changing nature of the occupancy of Torquay’s oldest building.
Kate said: “I am delighted to have spent the past twelve months at Torre Abbey. It is a beautiful setting and I was intrigued to see the restoration that had taken place. The Mutability and Beaten Earth exhibitions are in keeping and sympathetic to this stunning building.”
Torbay Council’s Executive Lead for Tourism, Culture and Harbours, Councillor Nicole Amil said: “Kate has researched the different areas of the site and has reflected this in her fantastic work. Torre Abbey is a beautiful venue for Kate to be showcasing her work, the Abbey is open seven days a week throughout the summer giving you a great opportunity to see the exhibitions.”
Kate’s ‘Beaten Earth’ performance will take place during the last two weeks of July from 11am until 4pm on Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22, Thursday 23, Sunday 26, Monday 27, Tuesday 28, Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30.
This residency is part of an ambitious partnership project between Torre Abbey and Smooth Space artists’ initiative, it has been fully funded through public funds by the Arts Council.
