HOME is delighted to present Natural Interaction, a solo exhibition by artist Nick Jordan. Featuring new films, prints, photographs, painting and sculptural works, the exhibition explores the interdependencies between social and ecological healthcare or wellbeing.
Drawing upon the artist’s recent collaborations with ecologists, materials scientists, and healthcare professionals involved in medical genetics, the work interconnects the lived experience of rare health conditions with the reciprocal behaviours and symbiotic systems found in nature.
A new film trilogy (Rare Frequencies, Genetic Sequences and The Entangled Forest) captures the unique features of ecologically diverse habitats which sustain many rare or endangered species, playing a vital role in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Combined with audio conversations that reflect upon the importance of science and the lessons we can learn from nature, Jordan’s hybrid documentaries explore diverse landscapes and ecosystems, including restored peatlands, networks of mycelium, botanical gardens, urban woodlands and ancient forests; threading together themes of community and mutuality, resilience and renewal.
Rare Frequencies draws upon conversations with people impacted by rare diseases, as well as health practitioners involved in medical genetics and counselling. Jordan combines the discussions with footage he filmed at a restored peatland habitat on the edge of Manchester, which now hosts many rare species of wildlife.
Genetic Sequences continues the conversations with medical geneticists and psychologists, filmed in Vienna for the European Society of Human Genetics. The discussions reflect on interrelated issues such as global healthcare inequalities, access to vaccines, trust in science and hopes for the future. Shot in a single weekend, the film captures an urban topography, from public parks and city streets to the global plant collection of the University of Vienna’s Botanical Garden.
Completing Jordan’s trilogy of new films is The Entangled Forest, which explores the reciprocal, shared behaviours that exist between trees and fungi. Filmed from the heat of late summer to the frozen depths of winter, in diverse woodland habitats, the documentary features the voice of ecologist Suzanne Simard, and her ground-breaking research into the ‘biological neural network’ of forest ecosystems.
Each of the films feature an atmospheric and textural soundtrack score, recorded with traditional folk instruments, woodwind and analogue synths, composed by Otis Jordan (Rare Frequencies and Genetic Sequences) and Otis Jordan and Lord Mongo (The Entangled Forest).
Creating dialogue and interconnections with the films are a series of new works by the artist, including mushroom spore prints presented as a family tree, archival botanical drawings, a greenhouse, and a living micro habitat of native bog plants.
About the artist
Nick Jordan is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores the interconnections between cultural, social and natural ecologies. The artist’s work has been exhibited widely at international museums and galleries, including Innsbruck International Biennial; Videonale, Kunstmuseum Bonn; Musée du Quai Branly, Paris; Whitstable Biennale; Darwin Museum, Moscow; Centre de Cultura Contemporània, Barcelona; Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin. Jordan’s award-winning films have featured in many international film festivals, including special focus programmes at the London Short Film Festival; Minimalen, Trondheim; HOME Artist Film Weekender.
Artist residencies and commissions include Headlands Center for the Arts, San Francisco; Thackray Museum of Medicine, Leeds; The National Trust; The Manchester Museum; Newcastle University; Stasi Archives, Berlin; ICA, London; British Society of Aesthetics; The Swedenborg Society; Arts & Heritage. Jordan is the co-author (with Jacob Cartwright) of Alien Invaders: A Guide to Non-native Species of the Britisher Isles (Bookworks), and is the curator of Braziers International Film Festival. Nick Jordan studied Fine Art at Nottingham Trent University (BA) and Manchester Metropolitan University (MA). He is based in Manchester.
@nickjordanart
Natural Interaction is curated by Clarissa Corfe.
Rare Frequencies produced for the Whitworth Group’s RARE/D podcast series, Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, supported by Economic and Social Research Council and EURORDIS Rare Diseases Europe.
Genetic Sequences was commissioned by European Society of Human Genetics, with support from the University of Manchester and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
The Entangled Forest was supported by UK Research & Innovation and The University of Manchester. Commissioned by HOME.
Earth House Hold is made with the cooperation of The Research Foundation for the State University of New York, University at Buffalo, School of Public Health and Health Professions.
The Entangled Forest Teaser
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Out of Memory: the films of Nick Jordan and Chris Paul Daniels
A screening of short films by Nick Jordan and Chris Paul Daniels to coincide with their solo exhibitions at HOME.
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Rare/D: Conversations on Genetics, Health and Well-being
Rare/D: Conversations on Genetics, Health and Well-being is a panel discussion, film screening and music event to coincide with Nick Jordan’s exhibition Natural Interaction.
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In Conversation: Nick Jordan, Chris Paul Daniels and Parham Ghalamdar + Guests
Join the Gallery Spring 2023 exhibiting artists and their guests in conversation on their solo exhibitions and wider practices.