Artist, writer and filmmaker, Abi Palmer's debut solo exhibition crafts an alternate reality wherein slugs, rather than being met with revulsion, are revered and you can worship at this altar of slime at the Chapter Gallery from now until 6 October 2024.
In Slime Mother, Abi invites viewers to delve into a world where slime, queerness, the politics of space, the erotic, and alien mating rituals intertwine, urging them to merge with and embrace the intricate strangeness of these resilient gastropods.
Throughout her multifaceted practice, Abi uses the fluctuations of her disabled body as a jumping-off point, creating work that is not only multisensory and fragmented but also profoundly Queer.
The exhibition will be accompanied by Slugs: a Manifesto, a new publication by Abi, published by Makina Books in collaboration with Chapter and will expand across a programme of films, workshops, BSL tours and more.
Abi Palmer said: "I identify with the slug: I too have been regarded with repulsion, no more than a pest stealing spoils from the hardworking farmer. Once I allow myself space to move beyond visceral disgust and phobia, I find space for beauty, fascination and even a glistening reverence for a creature who became more disgusting as a means of survival".
Curator Sim Panaser said: “Abi’s multi-faceted exhibition presents a slug cosmology that centres marginalised communities. In embracing the softness, resilience and resistance of these slimy creatures, Abi offers us transformative possibilities of rethinking the ways we build community and connect.”
Slime Mother Cinema
Chosen in collaboration with Abi Palmer, this film is part of Slime Mother Cinema, a selection of cult classics and recent releases, spanning horror, sci-fi, romance and documentary that offer different ways of seeing the world. All tickets in this season are at the discounted price of £5 plus booking fee. Use code SLIME5. For more films in this season visit Chapter | Slime Mother.
Saturday 17 August 2024, 2:30pm - The Creeping Garden
Saturday 24 August 2024, 2:30pm - I Didn't See You There
Saturday 31 August 2024, 2:30pm - Fungi: Web of Life
Saturday 14 September 2024, 2:30pm - Is There Any Body Out There?
Saturday 21 September 2024, 2:30pm - Phase IV
On Saturday 7 September 2024 at 11:15am as part of Deaf Gathering Cymru 2024 Emily Rose and Alex Miller from Our Visual World will lead two BSL Tour. The film has BSL-in-vision that’s played 15, 30 and 45 minutes past the hour (it lasts 7 minutes in total). It’s also audio described on the hour, every hour. Entry’s free but booking’s essential.
On Sunday 8 September at 11am Alex Miller will host a fun art workshop where you’ll have the opportunity to create something inspired by Abi’s exhibition which features film, sculpture and even a slug disco!
The film has BSL-in-vision that’s played 15, 30 and 45 minutes past the hour (it lasts 7 minutes in total). It’s also audio described on the hour every hour.
Pop in to see the exhibition, then get your hands dirty with some slug-inspired crafting!
This exhibition is supported by Arts Council of Wales and the Henry Moore Foundation.
Photograph: Dan Weill 2024