Claye Bowler, Buried Self, 2023. Jerwood Newlyn Residency. Photo by Claye Bowler.
In this two-day artist lab led by Claye Bowler, we will delve into the intersections of queer/trans/disabled experience, memory and materiality through engagement with practices of casting, collecting and archiving.
The lab offers an in-depth exploration of Claye’s practice and current research which current investigates themes of forced waiting, using the symbol/metaphor/actual space of an open grave. Not dead, but also not quite alive enough to leave the grave. Activities tbc but prolly include: Looking & discussing Claye's and other artist's work, watching lil films, visiting a cemetery, digging holes, casting soil, having a nap, exploring folk songs, and more! Full schedule will be sent in advance.Things to Note
Dig Me a Grave will include: some time working outdoors; some time working with materials like plaster and latex (weird textures, but can be avoided); working with themes that could be triggering including queer/trans/disabled experience, dysphoria, death, suicide. The Lab is open to all, but is aimed at those with lived experience of being queer, trans and/or disabled.
Key Info
Sat 28th & Sun 29th Sept, 2pm to 8pm. VSSL Studio, Resolution Way, Deptford (London), SE8 4AL.Dig Me a Grave will be relaxed and accommodate for any breaks from the space. VSSL is a wheelchair accessible space (enter from Tidemill Way).
> Tickets (£40/£30)
If price is a barrier please write to producing@futureritual.co.uk.
There is a £60 ‘pay it forward’ ticket, which supports us to offer further discounted tickets to those facing economic barriers.
Claye Bowler
Claye Bowler is an artist based in the UK. His practice centres on collection and documentation of experience, memory and the remnants of humanity.
Bowler uses sculptural practices to highlight stories that are not historically collected through institutional means, often working with narratives of queerness and disability. Whilst also working in museum registration, Bowler often incorporates, yet questions, the ethics, administration and aesthetics of museum collecting in his work. Bowler has a strong connection to sound and music, increasingly integrating these elements into his work, using field recordings and traditional British folk song.
Recent work includes- Performance: Tate (2023) Residency: Jerwood Arts, Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange (2023), Porthmeor Studios (2024) Arts Right Truth, YSP x Uni of York (2024), Solo Exhibition: Henry Moore Institute (2022), Group Exhibitions: Yorkshire Sculpture Park (2022), Attenborough Arts Centre (2022), Ugly Duck (2022). He was recipient of ACE DYCP Grant (2023) and Jerwood New Work Fund (2023) to realise a touring Solo Exhibition (2025-26).
> www.clayebowler.com
Bowler uses sculptural practices to highlight stories that are not historically collected through institutional means, often working with narratives of queerness and disability. Whilst also working in museum registration, Bowler often incorporates, yet questions, the ethics, administration and aesthetics of museum collecting in his work. Bowler has a strong connection to sound and music, increasingly integrating these elements into his work, using field recordings and traditional British folk song.
Recent work includes- Performance: Tate (2023) Residency: Jerwood Arts, Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange (2023), Porthmeor Studios (2024) Arts Right Truth, YSP x Uni of York (2024), Solo Exhibition: Henry Moore Institute (2022), Group Exhibitions: Yorkshire Sculpture Park (2022), Attenborough Arts Centre (2022), Ugly Duck (2022). He was recipient of ACE DYCP Grant (2023) and Jerwood New Work Fund (2023) to realise a touring Solo Exhibition (2025-26).
> www.clayebowler.com
Claye Bowler. Photo by Rachel Adams.Future Ritual presents
The workshop is offered as part of CEREMONY, a year long programming cycle curated by Future Ritual, exploring how performance and art making can function as modes of gathering, communion and ceremony amidst the fragmentation of contemporary life.
> about Future Ritual: Ceremony