Henry Woide & Vanessa Fairfax-Woods

On The Land An Oak Will Grow

Henry Woide & Vanessa Fairfax-Woods were announced as the winners of our Edition VII Series Award with their series On The Land An Oak Will Grow. The award was judged by Muriel Mager, Founder and Director of Contour Gallery in Rotterdam, where the work will now be exhibited.

Seeking to push the boundaries of their usual solo work, Woide and Fairfax-Woods created performances in nature, distorting the natural world around them into an imaginary realm. It is meant as an escape from the reality of the modern world – the pace, politics, consumerism – and its emphasis on the surface which can be wearing. An invitation into a new, eerily beautiful and endlessly fascinating place.

“Effigies, deities, and creatures that live in the woods: these are all part of the mysterious dual worlds that are created in On The Land An Oak Will Grow. Inspired by ancient English folklore, we set about creating tour own modern myths and legends. The work spans imaginary timelines in imaginary worlds, shining lights on the narratives that we choose for ourselves. This has been approached with a sense of humour and ethereal beauty, enticing with the viewer to look closer. Even though an eeriness pervades throughout the series, there is the allure (perhaps of a siren) inviting you to step inside and explore these unknown territories – inviting you to shed these modern-day shackles and enter a world with different powers at play. The worlds created are fluid; free from time, age and a linear narrative. We seek to create a chance to reflect on the real world verses the world into the which the viewer is temporarily transported.”