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Leeds School of Arts academics to highlight the scale of plastic pollution by using the short stories of Malcolm Lowry.
Dr Alan Dunn, Reader at Leeds Beckett University, and Dr Helen Tookey, Reader in Creative Writing at Liverpool John Moores University, developed the research project, which aims to examine the connection between the short stories of renowned writer Malcolm Lowry and increased care for our seas.
The project has been awarded a follow-up funding grant by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to further their exploration of underwater recording on the Isle of Man.
To bring their vision to life, a diverse network of artists, students, musicians, a former shell sea captain, poets, and sound recordists embarked on a journey between Lowry's birthplace and the Isle of Man, a region that was instrumental in inspiring Lowry during the 1950s. Part of the event will include a public talk on the island by one of the world’s leading sound recordists, Chris Watson, known for his extensive work with David Attenborough.
A group exhibition titled "Hear Us O Lord,", on display at the University of Leeds until 24 January 2024, provides a snapshot of the larger multi-media research that delves into Lowry's literary works while exploring ways to foster increased care for our oceans.
"Hear Us O Lord" showcases the artworks of the project and Malcom Lowry but also invites visitors to reflect upon their own relationship with nature and consider ways they can contribute towards preserving our marine ecosystems.
Dr Alan Dunn, Reader at Leeds Beckett University, said: “Our network trips to the Isle of Man were incredible and the cooperation and generosity of everyone we met made this follow-up funding application an exciting thing to work on.
For me personally, I have an unfolding relationship with the sea as my grandfather built ships on the Clyde, and my dad designed hovercrafts. I find myself increasingly drawn to projects like this that have a strong creative relationship with our waters.’’
Dr Helen Tookey, Reader in Creative Writing at Liverpool John Moores University, said: ‘It’s fascinating to see how this project has grown, from the starting point of a group of us being interested in Malcolm Lowry as a writer with strong feelings for the natural world and for the seas and shores, and with a very prescient awareness of environmental threat.
‘’Lowry draws creatively on the Isle of Man in his stories and we’ve used Lowry creatively as a springboard to work with people on the Island, learning from them in terms of environmental issues and initiatives and pooling our resources to find new ways of collaborating and raising awareness. The new funding is a brilliant opportunity to build on what we’ve done so far and take it further.’’
Alan studied at Glasgow School of Art and School of the Art Institute of Chicago. His research explores new models for curating content for non-gallery audiences and his PhD considered the relationship between sound art and the everyday.
Research website: https://www.malcolmlowry.com/