Daniella Turbin – A Place To Return To

Last week, I made the most of the kids returning to school by popping along to the New Walsall Art Gallery. There is currently an exhibition running by local artist Daniella Turbin, who creates her art, and takes inspiration, from long distance walking that she combines with photography, drawing and writing. in 2022, Daniella embarked on her current project. She walked around the whole of Great Britain, and logged her journey in journals, photographs and online in instagram posts.

Her exhibition, entitled ‘A Place To Return To‘ showcases this journey, which started in her home village of Essington, Staffordshire.

An environment constructed from paper and drawings has been created in the gallery space, using a monochrome colour palette informed by the materials of the artist’s practice. A large collage chronicling the journey is painted, pasted and drawn directly onto the walls, these processes making reference to the urban environment. Hand-drawn maps are displayed in groups, not arranged according to traditional areas or counties, but to reflect the different phases of the artist’s walk. Daniella’s basecamp – her tent and personal belongings have been reconstructed in paper and pitched atop a grid for a map drawn onto the gallery floor.  

This exhibition is a work in progress. Daniella has been in residence at the gallery at least once a week as she continues with the floor map, and is also there to chat about her travels.

As someone who has an interest in photography, particularly of architecture, but also, of normal, everyday places shown in a different light, I loved this exhibition. Daniella’s photography, in black and white, is often stark and beautiful. I love the recreation of her base camp which has been cleverly constructed from paper, and even includes a paper washing line. The recreation shows that it was no mean feat to travel the length and breadth, in all weathers. The belongings that are also on display give this a very personal touch.

Daniella Turbin

New Walsall Art Gallery

Until 6th October 2024.

Admission free.

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