Ream

The work in this touring solo exhibition was generated by a period of research, supported by an Arts Council England Encore Award (£10,000). The exhibition’s curators (Bushnell, Shalgosky and Dean) worked closely with Bowen to develop different selection and installation solutions for the works in relation to the space and real light of each venue. An associated residency was hosted jointly by Angel Row Gallery and the Museum of Costume and Textiles, Nottingham, and the project as a whole attracted funding of £30,000. The sixteen large-scale drawings Bowen produced during the Encore Award period, established the researchers interest in display as a creative activation of (and intervention into) the ‘real’ experiences of the viewer. This output helps translate professional experience into effective art school research and during the project, Bowen was committed to leading symposia, workshops, and gallery talks. Tony Godfrey and Angela Kingston also gave talks on writing about Bowen’s work. An exhibition publication included essays by Francis McKee and Sacha Craddock (Aspex Arts Trust). Press reviews include: ‘Siân Bowen/Susanna Heron’, Robert Clark, The Guardian, Jan 2003; ‘Ream’, Jessica Lack, The Guardian, November 2002; ‘Ream’, John Cornell, Art Review, March, 2003. In 2001 Bowen’s was awarded second prize at the Jerwood Drawing Prize Exhibition (Prince’s Trust Gallery, and national tour), for work which laid the foundation for ‘Ream’ and was acquired by the British Museum, London. Bowen was further selected for a number of ‘overviews’ of contemporary British drawing including; The Jerwood Drawing Prize, 2002 and 2003; Drawing: The Process, Kingston University, 2003; 5 x 20 Drawings FEST, Eagle Gallery, London, 2003)