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Artist Pippa Blake will present a solo exhibition that takes inspiration from a Chichester Festival Theatre co-production with Out of Joint and Shakespeare’s Globe in late May 2015

Blake first thought of making work based on a theatre production several years ago, excited at the prospect of exploring the visuals, atmosphere and psychology of a play. She was subsequently invited to set up a residency at Chichester Festival Theatre during Festival 2014 and chose to focus on Pitcairn, a world premiere by Richard Bean, which charts the aftermath of the infamous mutiny on The Bounty.

The subject matter resonated strongly with the artist who has twice sailed across the Pacific and spent time in French Polynesia.

“I am fascinated by the idea of utopia: dystopia, of matters apocalyptic and how humans respond to each other in times of adversity,” she explained. “Although set in 1789 I felt the play was very much a reflection on our own society and issues happening in the world today.”

After attending rehearsals and gaining an insight into how the play was put together – “basically how a new world is created” – Blake began work on paintings in her studio leading to this recent body of work.

Utopia: Dystopia will be at the Embassy Tea Gallery in London from 26 – 31 May, 11am – 5pm and at The Auditorium, Edward James Studios, West Dean College, near Chichester from 5 – 17 June 11am – 5pm

Pitcairn was a co-production with Out of Joint and Shakespeare’s Globe, directed by Max Stafford-Clark. The world premiere was held at the Minerva Theatre from 22 August – 20 September 2014, followed by London dates and a UK tour.