Get ready to be transported to a world of pagan psychedelia as Jonathan Baldock's mesmerising exhibition, 'Held', descends upon the Arnolfini in Bristol. This is no gentle stroll through a gallery – it's an immersive experience that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. As you step into this unsettling yet captivating realm, you'll be confronted with works of art that seem to reach out and snare you, like grasping fingers.
The initial encounter is disquieting, to say the least – ceramic flowers sprout grotesque features, tongues protrude from poppies, and hands burst forth from pots, as if begging to be freed. Life-sized felt figures loom large, adorned with natural elements that whisper secrets of ancient rituals. This tantalising introduction sets the tone for a journey that's equal parts eerie and enchanting.
As you delve deeper into 'Held', a pungent aroma wafts through the air – a miasma of damp earth, wood, and fur that'll leave your senses reeling. A deep bass rumble echoes through the space, punctuated by the sounds of snapping twigs and an unseen beast's heavy breathing. And then, there it is: a gargantuan bear figure, beckoning you to come closer. But beware – this is no cuddly companion; the atmosphere remains charged with tension, leaving you questioning whether the offered comfort is genuine or just a ruse.
At its core, 'Held' is an exhibition that wrestles with the complexities of identity. Baldock's work plumbs the depths of his own English heritage – and the sense of disconnection that comes with it. The pagan imagery serves as a canvas for exploring themes of tribalism, community, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. It's an intensely personal journey, too, one that weaves together nods to Baldock's mother, his love life, English history, and even Japanese culture.
The tapestries are a dizzying, surreal spectacle – a riot of geometric patterns, Celtic knots, and images of bodies, teeth, and ancient inscriptions. The ambient soundtrack adds to the sense of foreboding, conjuring up visions of stumbling upon some long-lost, terrifying ritual in the depths of Kent's rural landscape.