Emma Stibbon - Terra infirma

Terra Infirma exhibition and book extend Stibbon’s continuing research investigations into the ways that natural landscapes shift and change over time. In this body of work Stibbon addresses glacial and volcanic activity in Iceland, using a variety of methods to convey sociocultural and environmental change through the medium of drawing and printmaking. Terra Infirma also emphasises the interdisciplinary nature of her work, as reflected in a recorded dialogue between Stibbon and volcanologist Professor Katharine Cashman, and has resulted in new insights informed by original scientific data. Terra Infirma focuses on the Icelandic landscape, which reflects the dynamic changes caused by its location on the moving tectonic plates of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Project aims

Sustained by periods of fieldwork research, during which observational drawings, recordings and interpretations of place were gathered, Stibbon intiated the Terra Infirma project through six weeks travelling around the Icelandic south coast and a residency in Ólafsfjördur, north Iceland in 2012. Complementing this immersive and responsive approach to nature is Stibbon’s continuing engagement in critical dialogue with experts from other fields, including glaciologists (such as Dr Giles Brown, University of Bristol), volcanologists (such as Professor Katharine Cashman, also University of Bristol) and historians. Stibbon’s research methods utilise historical and archival materials, collected artefacts, data and statistics, documentary photography, and observational drawing.

Drawing of Icelandic scenery
Drawing of Icelandic scenery

Project findings and impact

A solo exhibition entitled Terra Infirma took place at Rabley Drawing Centre, Mildenhall, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 2LW from 18 November – 20 December 2013.

Research team

Emma Stibbon

 

Output

Solo exhibition: Terra Infirma Rabley Drawing Centre, Mildenhall, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 2LW 18 November – 20 December 2013

Publication: Terra Infirma Published by Rabley Drawing Centre ISBN 978 0 9926817 2 2

Partners

Meryl Ainslie, curator, Director Rabley Drawing Centre