Laura Dicken
Laura Dicken is a socially engaged artist and producer based in the Black Country. She most frequently works with analogue photographic processes and has recently been developing a series of moving image artworks.
For HYPER-POSSIBLE we have commissioned Laura to co-create a new multiple portrait artwork titled Routes with citizens of Coventry. The participants involved specifically belong to the city’s migrant and diaspora communities and each of the enthusiastically responded to a public open call launched in summer 2021.
Routes takes the form of a series of powerful moving image portraits which were developed with Laura online using posted packs of equipment and instructions alongside digital conversations. Each one was made in the home of the participant. Laura used a gentle and meditative approach to develop each portrait sitting, being mindful and sensitive to difficult topics throughout each conversation. The silent moving image installation is the result of a dialogue and build up of trust between Laura and each participant wherein each person was prompted to consider ket moments within their own unique migration stories. The camera stays with each portrait sitter for a few breaths, before fading and moving to focus on a new person.
Laura has spent the pandemic shielding at home for personal reasons and this is the first time she has made portraits remotely. Her new work highlights the incredible individual journeys and stories of migration that continue to shape our city. Routes also calls into question ideas of ableism and access which impact not only the art world by the wider world at large.
The artwork is projected on windows of the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and is best viewed from the street outside as the sun begins to set.
Routes was made in collaboration with: Alex, Alexandra, Chantia, Dieshy, Emmanuel, Frances, Jas, Jatin, Raman, Rina, Tanzimah, Vicki with support from Coventry City of Culture Trust.