Adam James (b.1978) is a British artist whose work brings people together, often using ‘live action role play’ (LARP). KEMENETH – the Cornish word for community – is an artist’s project developed by James in collaboration with St Ives communities and Tate St Ives.
One group of local collaborators, PlayClub, have been meeting in a series of online sessions to playfully explore their experiences of the past two years. Together, the group have created two fictional community collectives which embody solutions to individual, local and national needs. One collective, The Fiery Foraging Warriors, is based around ideals of ‘living off the land’ as equals, and centres on a green space on the upper outskirts of St Ives. The other, The Inclusive Isolationists Society, proposes a creative community on a fictional ‘island of strange events’ off the West Penwith coast. Both share an interest in moving away from the social isolation and reliance on technology they had experienced since March 2020, in favour of more cooperative and fair modes of living.
PlayClub members have imagined characters and inspired costumes and banners associated with each fictional collective, which have been produced by Adam James and the Kemeneth Makers Collective, made up of local people with an interest in textiles. These elements are brought together in an immersive installation, The Improbable Meeting of Two Fictive Solutions to a Shared Problem, created by James at Tate St Ives.
Running concurrently to the gallery display are two 'augmented reality’ (AR) environments by James – The Inclusive Isolationist Society at the Island of Strange Events and The Fiery Foraging Warriors – which can be discovered at two locations in St Ives. Using a smartphone app, these outdoor public spaces are brought to life with an immersive experience that reflects the ideas and values of each of the two fictional collectives.
Locations
The Island, St Ives, TR26 1SZ
St Ives Community Orchard and Nature Reserve, Penbeagle Lane, St Ives, TR26 2HS
There is one entrance to Tate St Ives from Porthmeor Beach. This has a ramp and a flight of steps with a handrail.
- There is lift access and level access to most areas of the gallery
- Accessible toilets are located on the third floor at Tate St Ives close to Gallery 6
To help plan your visit to Tate St Ives, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information of what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.
For more information before your visit:
Email visiting.stives@tate.org.uk
Call +44 (0)173 679 6226
In the gallery, visitor numbers are being carefully managed. There are increased cleaning regimes in high use areas, protective screens on desks and counters and hand sanitiser dispensers throughout the gallery.
When you visit:
- Keep your distance from others
- Follow the one-way route
- Please wear a face covering unless you are exempt
Most importantly, if you or anyone you live with has COVID-19 symptoms please stay at home.
For more information take a look through our frequently asked questions.
With special thanks to all community collaborators, contributors and supporters:
PlayClub
Simon Ashbery
Georgia Barker
Catelyn Cox
Jo Grant
Wendy Gribbin
Susi Gutierrez
Heidi Kirk-Mackrell
Erin Lacy
Sheila Scholes
Kemeneth Makers Collective
Ethan Carney
Stephanie Croydon
Rikke Digerud
Alice Ellis-Bray
Marion Heasman
Anna Martin
Juliet Middleton-Batts
Stephanie Thomason
Community Figureheads
Janet Axten
Elise Langley
Morag Robertson
Nicole Tessiman
Reverend Nicholas Widdows
Project realised with funds received by Tate St Ives as Art Fund Museum of the Year 2018
