OFFSHOOT: Artists in Residence @ RHS Garden Bridgewater

Explore RHS Garden Bridgewater from new perspectives with exhibits from our inaugural artists in residence displayed in a variety of locations across the garden.

Yan Wang Preston is a multi-award-winning visual artist and photographer passionate about the natural world and our place within it. Yan will share two pieces of work inspired by the garden and the work of the RHS. “The Perfect Flower” is an exploration of the hydrangea and the RHS trials process. “Goose Poo and Rainbow” reframes found objects from Middle Wood, beautifully photographed and reinstalled in the woodland where they were found.

Yan’s work is shared alongside images by Fiona Robinson and Anoosh Ariamehr. Socially Engaged Photographers who have been resident in our Community Wellbeing and Community Grow gardens. Their artwork deepens our understanding of the impact of these spaces, allowing us to better understand how individuals from all walks of life connect with gardens and gardening.

Sarah Fisher, Open Eye Gallery’s director, said:

 

Community connection sits at the heart of what we do here. The garden is not just somewhere to visit — it’s somewhere people learn, volunteer, grow, recover, make and reflect. From wellbeing programmes and growing initiatives to education, skills and volunteering, we’re constantly thinking about how the garden can support people as well as plants. OFFSHOOT is very much part of that picture and one that brings new creative energy into the garden. I’m incredibly proud of what OFFSHOOT represents: the artists involved, the communities who have contributed to the work, and the partners and funders who have helped make it possible.

The OFFSHOOT Artist in Residence programme is a collaboration between the University of Salford Art Collection, the RHS Garden Bridgewater and the Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool and is generously supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.