WYRD THEN : WEIRD NOW
13 APRIL - 22 MAY 2016
THE KOPPEL PROJECT, LONDON

WYRD THEN : WEIRD now

"Today, the term ‘weird’ means something strange, bizarre, or supernatural. But in its archaic and original sense, it meant that aspect of life which was so deep, so all-pervasive, and so central to our understanding of ourselves and our world, that it was inexpressible." Brian Bates author of Way Of Wyrd.

In this exploration of power symbols and their historical resonance, Sol Bailey Barker's artistic odyssey, he delves into the enigmatic allure of the Neolithic axe head. Intrigued by its multi-layered symbolism, Barker's past year has been devoted to deciphering the evolution of these archaic symbols and their continuance in modern-day objects and machines, transcending the boundaries of time and culture.

From the ancient Neolithic epoch, the axe head embodied a dual role as a utilitarian tool and an object of profound sacred significance, enshrined with the essence of ancient deities. Unearthed across the expanse of Europe, oversized axe heads were unearthed in waterlogged terrains, deliberately left at the thresholds between ancient domains, near burial mounds, settlements, and farmlands, hinting at their revered position within ritualistic contexts.

The ritualistic aura surrounding the axe was undeniable. During its transportation across the lands, the axes were carefully enshrouded and bound, veiling their formidable powers from the uninitiated and safeguarding them from external taint. The act of wrapping and unwrapping, employing distinct materials, alluded to the metaphor of secrecy and the delicate delineation between the realms of insiders and outsiders. As they were handed down as heirlooms through generations, the axes carried narratives of ancestry, conduits of power passed down the lineage. And those deemed wise enough to craft these potent objects were revered as tribal leaders, embodying cosmological and transformative energies.

In the evocative exhibition 'Wyrd Then: Weird Now,' Sol Bailey Barker embarks on an introspective journey, taking cues from the ancient ritual axe as a starting point to delve into the realms of sacred objects and the ancient rites of the European Neolithic landscapes. Through a profound investigation into the metamorphosis of sacred forms and materials, the artist rekindles the presence of shamanic figures, reenacting age-old object-based rituals, thereby provoking a contemplative reflection on the intricate bond between societies and their eternal symbols of power.

For this awe-inspiring endeavor, Bailey Barker collaborates harmoniously with the talented composer and sound artist Joe Farley, weaving a complex tapestry of soundscapes that harness the inherent sonic potential of sculptures, transforming them into instruments of ritualistic resonance. These reverberating sounds serve as a captivating soundtrack for an accompanying film, a joint creation brought to life in collaboration with the skilled cinematographer Ruben Woodin Dechamps. Together, they open a portal to a realm where the ancient meets the contemporary, where the sacred echoes in the present, captivating audiences and invoking contemplation on the indelible allure of power symbols through the annals of time.