Art / Alaric Hobbs
Conceptualist artist explores displacement at Stokes Croft residency
Alaric Hobbs, a conceptualist artist from Wells, jokingly says he has Somerset as a middle name just in case he can’t find his way back.
However, Hobbs has recently adopted St Werburgh’s as his new home.
On July 27 Hobbs hosted a workshop, in collaboration with Bristol Refugee Rights, which explored themes of home, displacement and migration.
Hobbs, who will soon complete a month-long artist’s residency at the Launderette on Stokes Croft, concluded this session with an origami boat making activity.
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Attendees were encouraged to write personal messages on their boats.
Hobbs has built up a reputation as a leading light in the West Country art scene and is unfazed by covering challenging issues like migration and displacement.
He completed a BA (Hons) degree in Contemporary Craft from the University of Falmouth before spending eight years in Germany.
One incident in Germany, in particular, left its mark on him: “Going down the stairs, I smelt this distinct cigarette smoke. Then I saw a person sleeping on the staircase.
Hobbs and his partner Rudi also took part in the origami boat making session at the Launderette
Hobbs continued: “Of course when he saw me he was startled, and I had to convince him that no harm would come to him. But the problem was none of us could communicate through either English or German.
“So we had to use language translation apps to get our messages across.”
Hobbs eventually learned the man had ended up in Germany after a treacherous journey from Syria via Turkey.
He created a piece, ‘Throw Laden Mattress’, that was inspired by the encounter.
Conceptualist artist Alaric Hobbs on his recent residency at the Laundrette on Stokes Croft pic.twitter.com/MAzTjzr622
— Milan Gregory Perera (@stbonscc) July 30, 2024
The workshop on Saturday was open to anyone, not just refugees and asylum seekers.
“The idea was to make origami boats that have a positive and welcoming message for refugees in Bristol. I can’t stand hatred and racism towards these people who are just trying to flee their homes. So, I really wanted to bring a welcoming message,” Hobbs said.
“The idea was to make origami boats that have a positive and welcoming message for refugees in Bristol,” Alaric Hobbs said
Hobbs has many projects lined up but was tight-lipped about them. He said teasingly, “watch this space.”
All photos: Milan Perera
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