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The Wandering and the Madness: Sarah Jenkins

Friday 24 May 6 – 8 pm NewBridge Gallery

Join us for the first screening of artist Sarah Jenkins’ new film The Wandering and the Madness which explores the natural landscape and Celtic mythology of the Isle of Eigg. Filmed during the Baltic Bothy Residency in 2023 with post-production supported by a bursary from NewBridge, the work reflects on the effect of isolation on mental health and the healing properties of walking, nature, and community.

The Wandering and the Madness follows the journey of a Welsh woman who moves to the Isle of Eigg in search of deep isolation. Here she encounters the myth of Shuibhne (Sweeney), the mad wanderer that the bothy was named after. The 7th Century Gaelic king was cursed with madness and spent the rest of his life, half man half bird, wandering in the wilderness. It’s been suggested and never proved that he ended up on the Isle of Eigg.

Weaving myth, fiction, autobiographical elements, and stories of people she met on Eigg, Jenkins’ explores a visceral connection with nature, rooted in Celtic ecology and shamanism. The film attempts to understand Sweeney’s ‘madness’ through a contemporary lens, ultimately leading to a journey of self-discovery and healing.

Please note the film contains references to an abusive relationship, please take your time and speak with our team if you need additional support throughout the screening.

About the artist

Sarah Jenkins is a Welsh artist currently living and working in Newcastle. Since 2020 her research has focused on the symbiotic relationship between nature and community, with particular focus on small coastal communities.  Jenkins’ explores how natural environments shape imaginations and mythologies, as well as themes of isolation, natural mindfulness, and the effects of climate change on coastal communities. Since graduating from Goldsmiths in 2016, her work has been exhibited across the UK and in Berlin, in galleries including g39, Cardiff, NN Contemporary, Northampton, A.P.T Gallery, London and Open White gallery Berlin.

A photograph of a bothy at night, red light shines from the centre of the image.
Events

Free

The NewBridge Project
Shieldfield Centre
4-8 Clarence Walk (off Stoddart Street)
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 1AL

 

The NewBridge Project is accessible. You can find out more here, or feel free to contact us prior to visiting if you require additional information regarding access and facilities.