fæthm: explorations in co-curation with the River Dôn

fæthm: (Old English) ‘something which embraces’, ‘outstretched arms’. A unit of length to measure the depth of water. To understand after much thought. 

Sheffield Hallam University and The River Dôn Project present a series of premieres and provocations in co-curation with the River Dôn. Artist-researchers reveal artworks, exhibitions and a public art installation at the Kelham Island weir. Activities include a walk accompanied by a slow radio podcast, a live water testing lab and the launch of the new digital interface with the river. 

Curator and producer: Amy Carter Gordon 

Creative producer: Lauren McConnell

BIDE

Prof. David Cotterrell

Witness the slow melodrama of a boat in distress at the Kelham Island weir. BIDE, based on the traditional Yorkshire Coble, is a public artwork presented as a boat -  a delicate indicator of abstracted vulnerability.

Artist talks: Saturday at 1:30pm / Sunday at 12:30pm

Wherever the river may take us / wherever it wants us to go

Joanne Lee

A work developed through the repeated visual and temporal essaying of the River Dôn and its tributaries, which considers slow cyclical processes and sudden periods of transition.

Artist talks: Saturday at 11:30am / Sunday at 3:30pm

Drink It In

Joanna Rucklidge 

A series of experimental images inspired by visiting a short stretch of the River Dôn. The prints and drawings represent the juxtaposition of indiscernible riverfly larvae within the water and the abundant littered plastic on the riverbank.

Artist talks: Saturday at 10:30am / Sunday at 2:30pm

Ground Truths

Dr Rose Butler & Rob Gawthrop

A series of large-scale photographs alongside 16mm experimental film capture traces of silt, fig leaves, hemlock, and remnants of a NYE rave along the river’s edge, while phenols from the fig leaves create images of themselves.

16mm film works are made in collaboration with Rob Gawthrop with camera and sound support from Dominic Green and Tommy Spence Arnold.

Artist talks: Saturday at 12:30pm / Sunday at 1:30pm

Activities:

Water Quality Live Lab  

Assoc Prof. Melissa Lacey & Ruth Franklin, Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre

Friday 14 (PM), Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 March

Experience hands-on water quality research and learn about the state of our rivers. Explore microbiology and chemistry by testing water from Sheffield’s rivers to tackle river pollution challenges.  

Wild Medicine River Dôn special edition podcast

Sophie Toes and AliMakavelli x CiviCast

Experience slow radio to connect with nature and improve wellbeing. A collaboration between CivicCast and The River Dôn Project featuring Sheffield Hallam artist-researchers and guests. 

River Dôn Project - Engagement Platform 

Opus Independents 

Explore the Engagement Platform - an interactive, digital interface, designed to help us better understand our relationship with nature. 

Talks: Saturday at 2:30pm / Sunday at 11:30am

This event is being offered and operated by Sheffield Hallam University and The River Dôn Project and is in addition to Sheffield Museums’ own event programme.