“Serena Korda’s work reconsiders aspects of tradition in our lives, under-explored feminist narratives – herstories – and alternative histories of folklore and witchcraft.” [Bluecoat Gallery, 2018]
I didn’t even know that these mushroom-like bells were part of an exhibition, I assumed it was the result of a resident art group, not artist Serena Korda’s ‘The Bell Tree’ whose work has been there for 7 months already. I came across them after briefly visiting Speke Hall and noticing the whole collection whilst there and later researching their purpose. I then discovered that the Bluecoat housed a few so headed down to have a little look.
I really enjoyed the collection at Speke Hall, but the Bluecoat Gallery’s certainly gave the same effect; it’s been almost stormy in Liverpool so the bells were chiming and swinging on the fine tree branches, and the bright sun poking through the clouds made them really bright against the brick background. I went on a perfect day for them, as I believe I was able to witness them at their prime time. 
These bells however, were clearly visually deteriorated due to the harsh winter weather but it gave them an air of survival and in spring I can imagine a feeling of rebirth in the sun despite never being as bright as they once must have been.
They’re a nice feature that I think should stay, post-exhibition.
HXLLISON ART HISTORY 