The Fairy Ring: Tessa Farmer

Press Release

For immediate release: 8 June 2018

THE FAIRY RING: TESSA FARMER

From June 2018

First manifestation 17 June 2018

Across Northampton

There are evil fairies in Northampton. They ride bumblebees and hunt with spiny spears

harvested from hedgehogs. They’ve captured hornets and lounge on tabletop toadstools

feasting on worms and other delicacies. They raid birds’ nests, race snails and dance to the

beat of buzzing bees and snail shell drums.

Their underground lair, which seemingly spreads as far as the coast, occasionally erupts to

reveal glimpses of their nefarious activity. They are plotting, building their army, trying to take

over the world and awaiting curious humans to lure into their realm. They do not care for you

or any of human kind.

But don’t worry, you are safe. Artist Tessa Farmer has captured the fairies and imprisoned

them in a time bubble. For now, you can peer into this diorama of menace whilst their activity

is frozen. Keep your eyes peeled for The Fairy Ring as it infests Northampton throughout

2018 like a rash of possessed carbuncles. As you walk woodland paths or pass patches of

grass – can you see them? And will they be so brazen as to make appearances across the

manmade land? Market Square? Abington Street? And what would happen if they got out?

The first manifestation is taking place on 17 June 2018 as part of Northampton Music

Festival. Watch out!

About the artist:

Tessa Farmer was born in 1978 in Birmingham and lives and works in London. She is the

great granddaughter of the influential writer of supernatural horror Arthur Machen. She

studied at The Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art, The University of Oxford where she

received a BFA and an MFA. Her work has been exhibited worldwide and is in many

collections including those of The Saatchi Gallery, London, The David Roberts Collection,

London and The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Tasmania.

In 2007 she was artist in residence at the Natural History Museum in London and was

nominated for The Times/ Southbank Show Breakthrough Award. In 2011 she was awarded

a Kindle Project Makers Muse Award.

Recent exhibitions include a solo exhibition Unwelcome Visitors; at The Holburne Museum,

Bath, The Nature of the Beast at New Art Gallery Walsall, Victoriana at Guildhall Art

Gallery, London and Red Queen at MONA, Tasmania.

Tessa is represented by Danielle Arnaud London and Spencer Brownstone Gallery, New

York.

For more information about the artist visit www.tessafarmer.com

For more information on the project and NN visit www.nncontemporaryart.org

Ends

Notes to editors:

NN is a contemporary art space in the centre of Northampton.

The Fairy Ring opening times will as sporadic as the whim of the fairies and will be available

at www.NNContemporaryArt.org/exhibitions/the-fairy-ring

NN opening hours:

Wednesday–Saturday 11:00–18:00

Plus special open day for Northampton Music Festival Sunday 17 June 2018, 12:00–17:00

Free admission

Northampton Music Festival is an annual celebration of music across Northampton

https://www.northamptonmusicfestival.co.uk

NN is supported by:

Arts Council England

Northampton Borough Council

Northampton County Council

The University of Northampton

Northamptonshire Community Foundation

First for Wellbeing Fund

Compton Fund for Arts & Heritage in Northampton

For further information, to arrange interviews or additional images please contact:

Danielle Macleod

Press & Marketing Coordinator,

NN, Number Nine Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP, UK

E: Marketing@NNContemporaryArt.org T: +44(0)1604 638944