Thingchronicity (noun)
Definition:
1. The phenomenon wherein objects or “things” appear in one’s life at precisely the right moment, as if by design, to aid in a project or task.
Root words: “thing” and “synchronicity.”
This November the Keeper’s Galleries will be taken over by multidisciplinary artist Maria Meyer’s captivating sculptures, installations and paintings. Meyer works primarily with existing objects, arranging them as conceptual assemblages that explore our relationship with artefacts and our immense desire as humans to be surrounded by material objects.
Local artist Maria Meyer develops the concept of “Thingchronicity” through a series of captivating sculptures, installations and paintings.
The objects and their arrangement will challenge you to think about the symbolism, magic, power and value that objects have in our lives.
The title of the exhibition – Thingchronicity – was invented by the artist who essentially made up a new word and created a dictionary entry for it. The word refers to the phenomenon wherein objects or "things" appear in one's life at precisely the right moment, as if by design, to aid in a project or task; or the occurrence of desired or needed items manifesting unexpectedly, seemingly through coincidence, but in a manner that feels meaningful and purposeful.
The ideas for the exhibition stem from French philosopher and anthropologist Bruno Latour's concept called the ‘Parliament of Things’ in which he envisions a democratic assembly where both humans and non-humans (“things”) have a voice. Latour's ideas aim to create a more inclusive and integrated understanding of how the world works, emphasising the interconnectedness and co-dependence of all actors – humans and objects – in shaping our reality.
The exhibition includes installations and assemblages of objects and images, exploring the symbolism, magic, power, and values that objects have in our lives.
Maria Meyer is a St Albans-based multi-disciplinary artist whose practice draws from the ideas of Cubism and Readymades but is characterised by a contemporary digital aesthetic. Meyer holds a BA(Hons) in Fine Art from the Middlesex University and an MA in Fine Art from the University of Hertfordshire. Previous solo exhibitions include Wafted from Paradise (2022) at Departure Lounge Gallery, Luton; and Strange Strangers (2021) at Broadway Gallery, Letchworth.
mariameyer.co.uk / @mariameyer_art
Curated by UH Arts + Culture
