g39, Cardiff
Until Sat 25 Jun
The inspiration for Limen Locale came when artistic duo Thomas-Irvine, who formed in 2008, were on a visit to Portreath, Cornwall. After wondering the rolling hills of the countryside, they stumbled across a collection of strange, abandoned concrete structures.
They appeared to have no purpose and these mysterious building stood out from their habitat. This ‘other’ created an energy in the space allowing the structures to become symbolic of the energy of architecture and the destruction of their energy through silence.
Since the discovery of the structures, further study into the site has revealed that it belonged to RRH Portreath and was known as Nancekuke. The area produced over 20 tons of the chemical weapon sarin a before it was decommissioned in the 1970s. Sarin is a nerve agent used in chemical warfare worldwide and is one of the most restricted chemicals in existence. After its closure, the waste from the building was buried in the cliffs or dumped into the sea.
Limen Locale is reflective of the Nancekuke site in every way. The exhibition exists perfectly in the space; the white backdrop creates a sterile cleanliness which is at odds with the old industrial exhibition space.
The rooms show you bleak, concrete structures which seem superimposed on the natural scenes. The long forgotten site, reimagined though the exhibition, highlights the lasting struggle between industry and nature.
Admission: free. Info: 029 2047 3633 / www.g39.org
(EH)