Abi Spendlove : Underfoot

10 Dec 2020-30 Jan 2021

Overview

Luton-based artist Abi Spendlove returns to Departure Lounge with a new and immersive installation, developing her fascination with Luton’s “hidden river”, the River Lea. Following on from her exhibition Tributary (2017), Spendlove’s latest work Underfoot explores the underground river as it flows beneath our feet, focusing on the movements – seen and unseen – made by nature, people and time. The Lea flows mostly unnoticed through Luton, beginning its journey in Leagrave Park, snaking through housing estates, behind allotments and underground beneath the Central Library and the Thistle Hotel in the heart of the town, eventually connecting with the River Thames in London. In preparation for this exhibition, Spendlove undertook specialist training to enter, wade through and explore the dark underground river culverts, where she collected video footage, photographs and found materials to inspire her new work. By turning the city inside out conceptually, she draws our attention to the things which are so often overlooked as we go about our daily lives.