Nehal Aamir began her residency by documenting the shapes, sounds and textures of Darwen Terracotta and Faience, and the intimate relationship the workforce have with their individual practices.
The care and order with which each task was undertaken resonated with her. Each next step taken on the factory floor revealed the next stage of the process – everything in its place, everything running smoothly.
Infinite Hands will be displayed at Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery until the 14th of September 2024.
During this time, Aamir also spent time at Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery, exploring their collection and the site of the Watercolour Gallery, where Infinite Hands is exhibited. Pieces that emulated storytelling, already an important aspect of her practice, stood out to her, as well as the relief works of Greek figures from the 1800s running the length of the space.
Using these influences, Aamir conceived a contemporary ceramic tapestry – one which would illustrate the gestures of the workforce and honour them for their skill and expertise. Hand-painted with colour and details in gold, the 11 metre ceramic work tells the story of craftsmanship at Darwen Terracotta – a place dedicated to preserving traditional techniques, whilst also embracing innovation.
On the opposite wall hang pieces inspired by the factory’s work, mimicking fragments of architectural structures from magnificent buildings. Similarly to the manuscripts held in the museum’s collection, the pieces evoke a sense of historical and cultural importance. They preserve a skill and expertise that both artist and manufacturer believe should be protected. These pieces are displayed in dialogue with objects from the museum’s archives that have inspired the work.
Infinite Hands tells a story that interweaves the history of terracotta, a spirit of collaboration, and the vibrant culture of Blackburn.
Alongside her exhibition, Nehal delivered a one-off workshop over the Festival weekend.
During the workshop, participants were asked to reflect on their daily rituals – whether it’s a morning routine, family tradition, cultural practice, or spiritual ceremony. Nehal then supported participants through the steps of depicting this onto a tile, experimenting with different techniques and styles to convey stories visually.
Working in the factory setting has been an eye-opening experience. The factory atmosphere, buzzing with activity and the hum of machinery, is a stark contrast to my usual studio environment. Yet, it is in this setting that I have come to appreciate the synergy between art and industry. I anticipated learning technical skills, but I did not foresee the depth of connection I would develop with the people and the place.
Commissioned by The National Festival of Making, in partnership with the Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery for their 150th Anniversary.
The Artist
Born in Pakistan and now living in Manchester, Nehal Aamir’s work represents her multicultural background and experiences as a Muslim woman. Holding a fascination for craft and its traditional techniques, Aamir’s interests lie in storytelling. Showcased through her tiles, her work illustrates the rituals and realities of contemporary urban life.
The Manufacturer
Darwen Terracotta and Faience have many years of industry experience, having worked on restoration and new build projects for some of the most prestigious buildings in the UK and worldwide.
This is the third Art in Manufacturing residency hosted by the industry leaders, who have also supplied products to international artists including Grayson Perry and Richard Deacon.
Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery
A partner in this residency, Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery celebrates its 150th anniversary this year and was one of the first purpose built, free museums opened outside of London. It houses a rich collection of paintings, icons, mediaeval manuscripts and more, as well as being the custodians of objects and stories that express the local and social history of its hometown.
Photography by Danny Allison, Jules Lister and Robin Zahler
