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WITHOUT BORDERS is a new solo exhibition of work by Angela Gilmour, which will open at GOMA Waterford on Saturday 2nd September.

Artist Tour 2pm followed by Official launch 3-5pm
Saturday 2nd September at GOMA Waterford

Exhibition running dates: 2nd September – 8th October 2023

WITHOUT BORDERS encompasses many aspects of the research carried out by the artist during a residency sailing the Arctic waters around Svalbard’s archipelago in 2019.

Coastlines are at the root of many conflicts, international crises, and wars. The strategic role of coastlines, their value as economic commodities, and disagreements over fishing rights, often cause rifts between neighbouring countries.

Occupation of seemingly insignificant land masses (tiny islands, flood plains, marshland) can potentially lead to war. Refugees risk their lives to reach coastlines across the world. Some coastlines are more politically complex than others, strategically important or more scientifically significant. Svalbard is one such land mass, which lies at the nexus of politics, science, and Earth’s climatic changes, even though it’s located in one of the most inaccessible areas on the planet, high in the Arctic, a mere 10 degrees latitude from the North Pole.

In theory, Svalbard has no borders. No visa is required to live there, though there are laws prohibiting giving birth or dying on the archipelago. Also known as the world’s thermostat, Svalbard is home to the most northerly science research centre on Earth. Scientists recently recorded the highest Arctic temperatures on record at a Svalbard outpost. Svalbard is also rich in oil and minerals, and it is one of only a few places in the world where whale hunting is still legal.

Svalbard’s delicate environment is vulnerable to commercial development and an explosive increase in tourism has led to a growing environmental crisis. Having no indigenous people, the inhabitants come from all corners of the earth, many of whom made their home there to escape persecution and poverty in their homelands.

Without Borders encompasses many aspects of research carried out by the artist during a residency sailing the coast of Svalbard’s archipelago in 2019. The exhibition brings together etchings, paintings, photography and installation to highlight the complex interweaving of political and environmental issues in the Arctic, and serving as a basis for discussion on broader worldwide issues encompassing climate change, land possession and border politics.

Hornsund, what's to come, 2023
78° North, Sint Jonsfjorden ii, 2023
78° North, Sint Jonsfjorden iii, 2023
79° North Sarstangen ii, 2023
The Retreat of Fridtjovbreen, 2019
Ghost Pier, Pyramiden, 2019
80°North into the pack ice
Danskøya, dark days ahead, 2023
At 80° North, cracks are forming, 2020
Foreboding Shores, 2020
Samarinvågen, where once there was a glacier, 2021
Abandoned Power Station, Pyramiden, Arctic Circle, 2023
The last of Ice, 2023, photopolymer etching, 64x51cmplate size
The Retreat of Mayerbreen, 2021
Abandoned Power Station, Pyramiden, 2019
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