Life is the embodiment of a mind within the physical world. Age can bring with it the prospect of disembodiment, states in which the mind operates without reference to body or  world. ‘Outer Worlds, Inner Space’ looks at the connection between art, music and nature as a means of returning the spirit to the corporeal body.

‘Hand in hand I walk alone in the garden of the mind’ Claire Angel Bonner is a Tasmanian classical guitarist, specialising in the music of the 19th Century. She is currently based in Italy. Having worked with BasementArtsProject on previous occasions, she returns for this exhibition with a cycle of music and poems developed in part as a reflection on the experiences that connect us all, and in part as a response to having a close relative with alzheimers. ‘Outer Worlds, Inner Space’ puts this particular suite (a sort of song cycle in its combination of words and music) in the setting of an exhibition addressing aspects of life that define our time on this earth.

‘The Garden in My Head’ Mónica Escobar grew up in Medellin, Colombia; surrounded by abundant biodiversity and a nurturing artistic family. At the age of 13, her grandmother taught her how to make her first paper rose. Now based in Leeds Moni has taken this form of paper flower craft from her childhood and, through playful exploration, has expanded this into a new universe of what has been referred to as ‘Botanical Surrealism’ 

Rana Farooq is a Sheffield based, self-taught abstract painter. Her background in medicine and years of service within the NHS as a GP has provided her with a fertile ground for an artistic practice based on self-discovery, mindfulness and creativity. Her passion for art was awakened during a pivotal moment of introspection amidst the Covid pandemic.

Sometimes what might be thought of as synchronicity or providence plays a part in the development of projects. All three elements of this project were developed independently by each artist in Leeds, Sheffield and Italy and have been brought together under one roof to create ‘Outer Worlds, Inner Space’; an exhibition that explores a set of values, skills and knowledge that  unite the concept of what it means to be human.  The day before the exhibition opens will be the first time this group of artists will meet in person. Join us to experience what promises to be a very special preview.