The Dark Outside

by Jo Hodges 2013

The Dark Outside. Residency in the Galloway Forest Dark Skies Park

An investigation of the human relationship to the night sky and the designation of place as a socio-cultural response to the global issue of light pollution resulting in a variety of work including performance, site-specific video projection, mapping, sound works, photography, a drive in movie, publications and public interventions such as roadside shrines. This work led to a developing interest in narrative mapping, and in the creation and purpose of borders and boundaries.

Further developments for the Environmental Art Festival Scotland 2013 saw the production of a site-specific 24-hour radio event within the Dark Skies Park broadcasting unheard music and sound from musicians and producers from all over the world (collaboration with Stuart McLean), and The Dark Star Lounge engaging people with questions of place and the wider cosmos through a collaboration with Scotland’s Astronomer Royal. The residency led to the development of Sanctuary Lab, a 24 hour art laboratory in the Dark Skies Park.

The Secret Pilgrim graphic novel. Click to view PDF

Wide Open / Creative Scotland / Forestry Commission / Environmental Art Festival Scotland. 2012/13

Categories: 2013, Collaboration, Interactive, Performance, Process, Research, Site Specific, Strategy

Jo Hodges

Jo Hodges is a multidisciplinary public artist based in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
with a background in Human Ecology, community development and social justice.

Her work investigates ecological and socio-cultural systems, processes and relationships, and explores new strategies for working in public. Her practice takes many forms; temporary and permanent works, site specific installations and socially engaged projects and processes. She is often led by context, where the outcome is determined as a result of process.

She is interested in research, experimentation and collaboration at the intersection of environment, culture and technology and exploring the role of art in social change. She is joint Director-Curator of Sanctuary Lab, a public art laboratory in the Galloway Forest Dark Skies Park.