Katherine Akey
German Salient 27 May 1916
Quilted linen, logwood
2021
Through photography, sound, video, fiber art, and writing my work focuses on our connection to past human experience, specifically that of war and love. Much of this is an exploration of the change of experience from history to myth, from mourning to commemorating. I always try to do this exploration through the experiences of individuals. Photographic archives as well as personal histories, these are where we can connect to the humanity of the past, these are where I excavate. My childhood was spent climbing through archaeological sites with my parents; their academic practice is the foundation of how I make sense of the world, dusty sites and overflowing vitrines that fill my memory. Now as an artist I explore history with my own archaeological tools, seeking the marks of individuals as they transform and fade with time.
These quilted fiber pieces are part of the exhibition “Darkness Shall Cover Me” which explores strategic bombing in World War One. The quilts are drawn from aerial reconnaissance photographs from WWI. The pieces are produced using: an Irish linen, the same used to create the wings of WWI-era planes; logwood dye, the same used to create the blue sugar-bag paper common in the 19th century; linen thread and many hours of sewing by hand. This project was inspired by a story of wartime innovation from an officer in the Royal Flying Corps, whose commanding officer came up with a strategy to help his night bombing squadron navigate the inky dark of a pre-electrified Europe.
