on the land an oak will grow
a collaboration by Henry Woide & Vanessa Fairfax-Woods
What is under way, across a broad spectrum of culture, is an attempt to account for the turbulence of England in the era of late capitalism. The supernatural and paranormal have always been means of figuring powers that cannot otherwise find visible expression.’ (Mcfarlane, 2015)
The modern world is a difficult place to be: politics, consumerism and impetus on the surface can be wearing. Sometimes what we need is an escape into nature and from reality. ‘On the land an oak will grow’ offers that escape.
Effigies, deities, and creatures that live in the woods: these are all part of the mysterious dual worlds that Henry Woide and Vanessa Fairfax-Woods have created in the series ‘On the land an oak will grow.’. Inspired by ancient English folklore, the pair set about creating their own modern myths and legends. The work spans over imaginary time lines in imaginary worlds, shining light on the narratives that we choose for ourselves. The response and continuing narrative of modern day rituals brings a strong response when surreal elements of the digital come into traditional folklore and fairytale taking the viewer on a journey into the surreal.
This has been approached with a sense of humour and ethereal beauty, enticing with the viewer to look closer. Even though an eeriness pervades throughout the series, there is the allure (perhaps of a siren) inviting you to step inside and explore these unknown territories - inviting you to shed these modern day shackles and enter a world with different powers at play. The worlds created are fluid; free from time, age and a linear narrative. The playfulness of the book extends to an ‘upside down’ flip of narratives and worlds. This is intended to jolt the viewer back into consciousness as a chance to reflect on the real world Vs the world they have been temporarily invited into.
The short film acts as an amouse bouche for the book. With a haunting soundtrack by sound artist, Michael Fairfax, it sends uneasy shivers down the spine, daring us to delve further. But, like a horror fan, we can’t help but take a peek. QR codes are scattered amongst the English countryside, linking to the film, acting as a surreal geocacher.
HW is a landscape and topographical photographer. VFW is a conceptual and performative photographer. Throughout the project, they wanted to honour each of their specialties in a way that pushed the boundaries of their usual work. They created performances in nature, using models and VFW. They used the world around them, but distorted it into a new realm that didn’t exist. They pushed photographic techniques, creating forcefields of energy that vibrate through the page.
chapter one
chapter two
