‘Uprooting, Rerooting: Matter and the construction of the self’ is my first solo exhibition.
Open from October 20 to January 08, 2023 at Galerie Revel in Bordeaux, it brings together my largest body of work to date, produced and presented as a whole. The collection includes pieces from the past, present and future. From my early body of work, Brumas, to current projects that blur the boundaries between pottery and sculpture; to brand new pieces using other materials such as plaster and bronze.
Inward and outward quests. Searching for those women who preceded me, the unnamed women of clay, to find my ground, that shared clay heritage; while pursuing inner balance through the materials, play and acceptance.
It is a journey through the last nine years — my time in London. It was in October 2013 that I started going to the Hackney City Farm, where I first touched clay. It was in October 2015 that I became a member at Turning Earth which allowed me to make at my own pace beyond the evening courses. As it happens, it was in October 2016 that I quit my nine-to-five office job to do residencies, apprenticeships, travel, learn and explore.
I find it hard to believe everything that has happened in the last six years in particular. Changing careers, changing lifestyles — changing myself. An extremely rewarding while also challenging time.
In order to have something tangible that will outlive this exhibition, as well as to bring the show to all those people who will not be able to see and enjoy it, I have made an exhibition book. Designed by Matilda de Lageneste and produced and printed by Roy Killen, it comprises writings and poems by myself and others putting words to the thoughts and feelings behind the pieces; and, of course, stunning photos of the collection by Karina Smagulova.
“Bisila Noha’s oeuvre is in perpetual flow. Yet infused with complex and resolutely contemporary issues, her work appears simple, honest and even naive at times. Sometimes contemplative, sometimes dynamic but definitely political, her work teaches us about the importance of understanding that we are all connected despite our differences.” (Prince Malik Jewiti, Cofounder and Director of Galerie Revel)
