In loving memory of Ronnie Le Drew

Nomenclature for the Time Being
Raven Row
20 May - 5 September
Private View Wednesday 20 May 6.30- 8.30 pm

‘Bow Down and Very Low - 123’ is Ingrid Pollard's contribution within this group show curated by Imani Mason Jordan.

These sculptures which were created in the studio  between 2020 and 2022 in close conversation with Ingrid Pollard are ( I feel in a Nam Shepherd sort of way ) a peak in an exploration of how meaning happens in collaboration with others through objects, form and movements.

In the case of such kinetic art works this communication is quite literally "articulated" through the widely varying character in how the things which make up these assemblages move relative to each other.

These modern day automaton are perhaps less figurative then their mechanical ancestors but no less intimately related to the plethora of expressive, poetic machines throughout the ages.
They also draw direct lineage to the immense and ancient medium of puppetry throughout the world.
Each " figure" is powered by a motor generally used within production line manufacturing and each is made from objects with histories as diverse as a glass impregnated baseball bat found floating in the River Lee to a Victorian cash register.

Nomenclature for the Time Being includes the work of Ingrid Pollard, Rebecca Bellantoni, Hannah Black, Maren Hassinger, Deborah-Joyce Holman, Marla-Sunshine Kellard-Jones, Atiéna R. Kilfa, Christine Kirubi, Kumbirai Makumbe, Zanele Muholi, Sandra Mujinga, Shenece Oretha, and Ebun Sodipo.

ahhhh

Chris

you

and that blue drill
and that red ball

in the mountains
bringing this all together an idea
genius constellation

a truly divine mechanic

the body poetic

your voice sings slowly tripping on melody the idea so human
a beating heart the impetus

I will look through the notes I made and some you sketched that last time I saw you in my studio

I treasure
warehouse circus memories
your heartfelt presence
voice
and laugh!


all that I was blessed to experience of your life

which became all too short

my tears fall up like coloured balloons to the now of wherever you may be

Synopsis
Entering the hidden spaces of workshops and backstage puppet theatres, the film untangles a wonderful world of traditional and experimental puppetry, where materials and imagination intertwine. Through the eyes of six charismatic professional practitioners: Lyndie Wright (co-founder of Little Angel Theatre) Oliver Smart (Folded Feather) Peter O’Rourke (Cubic Feet Theatre) John Roberts (Puppet Craft) Stan Middleton (Puppet Barge) and Ronnie Le Drew (‘Zippy and Me’) the film reveals how early fascinations evolved into lifelong artistic devotion.
Connections between the featured artists gradually emerge, painting a portrait of a community, centered around Little Angel Theatre, a hub of creativity, mentorship, and inspiration since its founding by John and Lyndie Wright in 1961. 
Asking what, why, and how puppetry works, the documentary unravels a range of personal insights, philosophies, and creative processes. It discovers that, at puppetry’s heart, lies playfulness, craftsmanship, and an irresistible joy in giving life to the inanimate. 
The film celebrates the tactile and technical: carving, construction, and subtle choreography between puppeteers and puppets - demonstrating how mastery is born from years of practice and commitment.
From marionettes to sock puppets, shadows to found objects, a dazzling variety of characters including familiar faces like Zippy, Sooty, Sweep and Muffin the Mule, mingle with new, unexpected creations; revealing the versatility and vitality of this timeless art form.
We learn how the far reaching power of puppetry perhaps lies in the mystical, the unknown and the inexplicable, and the suggestion is that its future is assured.
Produced and directed by puppetmaker, Frances Barry, the film is imbued with rich subject knowledge and personal interest. Filmed and edited with an intimate curiosity by documentary filmmaker Hester Heeler-Frood, the film is layered with a sensitive original soundtrack, composed by musician Martin A.Parker. 
A joyful reflection on puppetry’s craftsmanship, mystery, and magic, we leave convinced that this ancient artform’s future remains as enchanting as its past tradition.


Duration: 32 minutes
Available to watch on Vimeo from Spring 2027.

For all enquiries contact Frances Barry.