Bureau des ÃŽles Anglo-Normandes

‘Art’chaeology’ is a creative archaeological residency project which explored links between artistic and archaeological research that has seen two artists from Normandy and Jersey spend time developing work in both jurisdictions. In July 2015, the four artists (Matt Falle, Karen Le Roy Harris, Amélie Delaunay and Fleur Helluin) spent 5 days as part of an active team on an archaeological site in Vieux La Romaine near Caen, where they interacted with archaeologists, were shown key findings and artefacts, and had access to sources of information in archives and libraries. Later that month, the artists completed their Jersey residency under the guidance of Jersey Heritage’s Curator of Archaeology, Olga Finch, as well as Dr Matt Pope and his team. The artists were given access to many of Jersey’s significant archaeological sites including Les Varines, La Hougue Bie, La Cotte and Neolithic dolmens.

The concept of the project was to explore and celebrate archaeology by introducing contemporary artists to archaeological sites, leading to a travelling exhibition of work in each territory. As well as the research element of the project, it also offered an opportunity for the artists to explore each other’s home and get to know one another and their respective practice.

Since summer 2015, the four artists have been producing pieces of work (at home) in response to the sites and the discoveries they made. An exciting mix of mediums has been presented at the ‘Art’Chaeology’ exhibition, which includes installation, print, ceramic work, painting, sketching and sculpture. This travelling exhibition started in Jersey in September 2016 and has been travelling to Caen for two weeks in July 2017.

The launch of the exhibition in Caen was hosted by Anne-Marie Cousin, Vice-President of the Regional Council of Normandy and Deputy Rod Bryans, Minister for Education at the Government of Jersey on 12 July 2017.

‘Art’chaeology’ was developed by Les Ateliers Intermédiaires and Jersey Arts Trust, with support of the Normandy Regional Council, the Institut Français and the States of Jersey. It also received support of the Calvados Department Council, Vieux la Romaine’s museum and archaeological sites, the Maison de la Normandie, and the experts and archaeological sites of Jersey Heritage.