John Newling

The Night Books are a reflection on the months of lock downs; of fearful sleep and the terrible fear that my species cannot respond to, or accept, the changes needed in the relationship between us and nature. The work is a development of my involvement with ‘Two Minutes to Midnight’, an ecological research group based in Paris.

I have long been absorbed by the thought that under our feet is soil of such complexity that we have yet to understand all the effect and affects of the earth; it is a material that carries a language in and through nature.

Now, in a thought-provoking co-commission by Brighton Festival, composers Sally Beamish and Lisa Heute have linked a selection of these letters using a series of pieces for solo cello.

This exhibition features works spanning Newling’s 40 year career, including new work responding to society’s need to evolve in the face of the climate emergency, and living through the global pandemic.

Birmingham-born artist John Newling (b. 1952) is a pioneer of public art with a social purpose. This major exhibition exemplifies his strong environmental proposition, whilst pushing at the boundaries of what defines art.

Launching Artcore Gallery’s opening show post lockdown, exhibiting the work of prominent artist and sculptor, John Newling.