This in conversation event with artist Mel Brimfield and art consultant and curator Ceri Hand explored Brimfield’s practice and current exhibition From this world, to that which is to come.
The exhibition marked the culmination of two years’ work, based on a research residency at Bethlem Royal Hospital’s National Psychosis Unit and Kings College Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience in 2018–19.
The resulting series of works explored the alienating effects of mental ill health and treatment at an individual, familial and societal level, whilst presenting a celebration of the radical potential of collective creative action and kindness.
Mel Brimfield‘s interdisciplinary and collaborative practice is rooted in scripted performance, incorporating live work, moving image, staged audio, installation and drawing. Operating at the intersection of theatre, live art and film, Brimfield’s work aims to bring audiences for the arts together and erode historic distinctions between creative fields.
Brimfield received a BA from Bath Spa University and an MA from Chelsea College of Arts, UAL. The formulation of innovative co-production partnerships amongst multiple institutions, agencies and community groups representing a broad spread of disciplines is central to her approach, as are a series of rolling collaborative relationships with a diverse range of performance practitioners.
Ceri Hand is an art consultant, curator and founding director of Artist Mentor and provides mentoring, coaching, career support and training to contemporary artists and creative professionals.
Hand originally trained as an artist and has extensive experience of working in the arts and culture sector, with previous key positions including: Director of Programmes, Somerset House, London; Associate Director: Institutions and Public Relations, Simon Lee Gallery, London; Associate Consultant, Contemporary Art Society, London; Director, Ceri Hand Gallery, London/Liverpool; Director of Metal, Liverpool; Director of Exhibitions, FACT, Liverpool; Deputy Director of Grizedale Arts, Cumbria and Director of Make, London.
She has curated over 250 exhibitions and events and was a contributing curator to Liverpool Biennial in 2004 and 2006 and Liverpool’s Capital of Culture year in 2008.
Hand is currently on the board of Castlefield Gallery, Manchester and is an Independent Member of the Cymru yn Fenis Wales in Venice Advisory Committee 2020–2024.