A new micro installation that re-tells the extraordinary life of Olivia Parkes, who lived in Ventnor for almost 40 years in a dilapidated boathouse held up by stilts, has opened in the Clayden Gallery at Quay Arts.
Using animated micro ‘vignettes’ within a replica wooden model boathouse, it is accompanied by audio recordings of Ventnorians who remember the lady who many simply remember as ‘Britannia’.
Olivia’s life raises many questions about how unconventional people are treated within society. The scene captures the details of her daily existence, intriguingly opening a window on the spirit of a woman who dared to live differently.
Photographs by Samuel French will be on display in the café that capture the Olivia project during Ventnor Fringe Festival as well as images inspired by her story.
As part of the Olivia exhibition, Teresa Grimaldi and Sarah Vardy are running workshops where participants can create props and characters inspired by Olivia’s Story and start to explore animation and shadow theatre.
Starting with a guided tour of the Olivia exhibition in the Gallery, these creative workshops will let you conjure up images relating to her life on the edge of the sea. Workshops are suitable for ages 8+, taking place on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th September from 10:00 to 11:30 and again from 13:30 and 15:00 both days.
The exhibition is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00 until Saturday 7th October with the projection viewing available to see between 10:00 and 14:00 in the Clayden Gallery.
A short film screening, artist talk with Teresa Grimaldi & Sarah Vardy and a tour of the Olivia Exhibition will be held from 14:00 at Quay Arts on Sunday 1st October.
