Megalith Totems at Dimbola Museum
Date: 1 June - 24 Aug 2024
Venue: Dimbola Museum & Galleries, Terrace Lane, Freshwater, PO40 9QE
Presenting ‘Megalith Totems’ - a series of paintings and textile wall hangings by Lauren Baker at Dimbola Museum
Please RSVP by 25 May to admin@dimbola.co.uk
DJ set by Jules Cameron
www.dimbola.co.uk / @dimbolamuseum
Multi-disciplinary artist Lauren Baker is set to release a new body of works - Megalith Totems - including paintings and textile wall hangings at Dimbola Museum. Originally the home of pioneering Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, Dimbola Museum & Galleries stands as a testament to her groundbreaking contributions to the art form. Now, thirty years since its inception, Dimbola continues to honour Cameron's legacy while expanding its reach to showcase diverse artworks from around the world.
Julia Margaret Cameron (d: 1879) and Lauren Baker, (b: 1982) though separated by time and medium, both explore their dreamlike and ethereal artistry, deeply inspired by literature and mythology. Cameron's photographs, characterised by their blurred edges and dramatic lighting, create a dreamlike atmosphere that transports viewers into a mythical and poetic realm. Lauren Baker, a contemporary multi-disciplinary artist, infuses her creations with a sense of surrealism and the mystical. Her work draws on themes from the cosmos, literature, and mythology with mediums spanning across light, sculpture, paintings and textile.
Baker’s new Megalith Totem paintings and wall hangings are inspired by ancient megalithic sites including; stonehenge and the piled stones of Inukshuks. The ancient stones painted in her works feature feminine ‘third’ eyes inked in a cave painting style.
The artist speaks of the frequency of rocks being around 10-16 hz reminding us that the natural world is very much alive. Baker is captivated by objects of spiritual significance such as ancient artefacts from the Palaeolithic era, fertility dolls, and ‘luck’ dolls. The artist is known for her Totem Tribe sculptural works and the Nature Is Watching works - which are explored in her new book: Mystical Visions. Much of Baker’s work stems from studying the archetypes and symbolism, as well as tarot, charms, amulets and talisman, creating pieces that feel both contemporary and timeless.
Established in 1994, Dimbola has become a beacon of artistic exploration and historical preservation, attracting visitors from around the globe. In its illustrious history, Dimbola has curated countless exhibitions, workshops, and events, fostering a vibrant community of artists, scholars, and enthusiasts alike. From the earliest days of photography to the cutting-edge innovations of today, Dimbola remains at the forefront of preserving photographic heritage and pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.
Dimbola Museum & Galleries, located in Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight is dedicated to preserving the legacy of pioneering Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron and celebrating the art and history of photography. Since its founding in 1994, Dimbola has served as a hub for exhibitions, workshops, and events, fostering creativity, scholarship, and community engagement. Dimbola is also home to a permanent display on the history of the Isle of Wight Festival.