The Earth is Warm, a solo exhibition by Anna Clough

In the heart of the lake district, on the side of the Langdale pikes, down a rocky scree lies a neolithic axe factory unworked by humans for 1,000’s of years. Algae lines its walls and lichen grows across its floor. Just under 30 miles away, near Whitehaven, a coal mine proposal has just been approved. 

‘The earth is warm’ explores the Cumbrian Landscape and its relationship with the climate crisis, entangling a post-industry ‘culture’ with its ecology. The time-based and sculptural works are centred around the changing slate, coal and copper mining communities of Lakeland.

Everything and everyone are interconnected through fine lines and in the world lively objects are in a constant state of push and pull. The act of mining takes away from the mountain but gives to miners’ livelihoods. Industry destructs ecological webs which were forged in deep time; it is these movements happening on a grand scale that have kindled our climate crisis. The deconstruction of the mining industry has meant less material extraction and burning of coal, which has allowed ecosystems space to flourish.

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