ALL PATHS LEAD TO THE RIVER by Camille Smithwick

11th May - August 30th

Birkenhead Priory

The unseen becomes seen as a mystical procession of River Sprites reveal themselves at the ancient Priory.  Local artist Camille Smithwick has created a series of new sculptures exploring the significance of the River Mersey in the founding of Birkenhead. 

Taking inspiration from folklore her characters emerge from the watery landscape, personifying the eternal flow and energy of the river that has shaped our landscape, people and culture.  The unerring force of the river pulls us like a magnet towards it; it is welcoming and bountiful yet also severe and formidable; a creator and a destroyer that reflects the duality and cyclical nature of life. 

The Priory has been chosen as the setting for the exhibition due to it being the site of one of the earliest crossings across the Mersey, the monks being early challengers of the currents and tides; whilst the adjacent Cammell Laird shipyard offers a striking juxtaposition that demonstrates our continuing desire to harness the power of the river

This exhibition was brought to a close with a closing procession and meal of the river spirits.

About Camille: 

“Camille Smithwick is an artist and illustrator who lived in Manchester for too long, ran away to the wilderness of Skye then returned to her watery home of Merseyside. Working primarily in pencil, with an enhancement of paint, she creates enigmatic, character driven works whose symbolism is at once familiar yet unknown. Sometimes these characters cannot be contained by the paper and become 3D figurines grown from discarded objects and clay.  Out in the wild  Camille’s work can been found adorning the cans of Squawk Brewing Co; she has also worked with Beneficial Shock, HOME, RHS Bridgewater, The Manchester Open, The Portico Library, Bury Art Museum, Castlefield Gallery, The Royal Exchange Theatre, The Skinny and NK News.”

Exhibition has been documented by Benjamin Nuttall.

Browse full exhibition document here - to request further photography of exhibit please contact conveniencegallery@outlook.com

See more from Camille Smithwick at her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cammysmithwick/

Exhibition is a part of Convenience Gallery, The Town is the Gallery. Curated & Produced with Andrew Shaw & Ryan Gauge, with thanks to Les Weston, Wirral Council  & Kindred LCR. Borough of Culture 2024.

Photo set 1: Benjamin Nuttall has documented the exhibition.

Photo set 2: Andrew Shaw has documented the closing procession.