In conversation with James Berrington

We warmly invite you to an evening of conversation about Common Ground, an installation of work by artist James Berrington at UCL East.

James will be in conversation with artist and Slade School of Art professor Sarah Pickering, sharing more about how nature shaped his art practice, mental health and sense of self.

James conceived of Common Ground after spending time in nature during lockdown, when his daily walks in the Great North Wood in south London became a space for self-refection and calm. The large photographic installation and photobook, which is accompanied by the sound of birdsong, immerses the viewer in an ancient English woodland landscape.

Spending time in this ancient woodland was part of James’ mental health recovery and led him to question ideas around identity and, in the context of a seemingly shifting national identity pre- and post-Brexit, examine ideas of an Englishness rooted in myth, legend, clichés, stereotypes and symbolism.

Event timings:

6pm - arrival, drinks and nibbles, and a chance to visit Common Ground.

6.30pm - ‘In Conversation’ with James and Sarah, with Q&A.

7.45pm - talk ends - guests are welcome to stay for drinks and to visit the installation.

About James Berrington

James is a visual artist based in London. His practice is located in an expanded photography, including print making, text, sound, and moving image, and explores the intersection of personal and universal narratives.

His interests encompass diverse subjects such as the English landscape, the nuanced meanings embedded in ordinary objects, the significance of home and the complexities of housing markets.

Common Ground sits alongside recent work reimagining Great North Wood for the screen and research examining ideas of utopian communities, faith and healing.

About Sarah Pickering

Sarah Pickering is a British visual artist who works with photography and whose work deals with themes of falsity and deception.

Sarah uses the process of photographic image making as a way of staging, observing, performing, and facilitating in order to examine and explore mediated versions of reality and work beyond its confines.

As an Associate Professor at the Slade School of Art, Sarah’s art research is recognised for its innovative interdisciplinary engagement.

Common Ground will run from 13 January - 27 February and is open 10am-6pm daily. Free and open to all. Check out the rest of the event programme here.