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Archive for a Fragile Island - curated by local artist Rob French

Maps folded into geometric cubes surrounding a map square bearing a location marker

Rob French, local artist, shares extracts from a larger project, Archive for a Fragile Island, in the display case on the first floor of the University Library. The full project will be on display at the Round Tower in Old Portsmouth later this month.

A word from the artist

Rob explains:

The artworks explore four locations around the coastline of Portsea Island. Together, they aim to form an archive of a shifting, unstable, and fragile place – one that has changed not only physically but also in terms of its role in the world. However, how reliable can an archive be in capturing the essence of such a fluid and contested place? Is what is missing as important as what is included? And does an archive say more about the archivist or their subject.

The works have been catalogued as if they were part of the University Library’s collection, and forming an archive within an archive.

View the full exhibition

The full project and installation can be viewed at the following times at the Round Tower in Broad Street:

Weds 30th July – 11-4 pm
Thurs 31st July – 11-4 pm
Sun 3rd August – 10-3 pm

More information is available from Rob's Instagram profile: @rbj_art70

Archive for a fragile island title panel

Discovery our special collections

Did you know that the University Library has an Archive and a Map Library both of which can be consulted to inform research of any kind - visual, historical or personal? To ensure staff are available to help with your enquiry, visit the Special Collections web pages to find out how to book an appointment.

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month - curated by Dr Annabel Tremlett, University of Portsmouth

Here we celebrate the work of local British artist Delaine Le Bas

Delaine Le Bas works in a transdisciplinary way: she combines visual, performative and literary practices to create an artistic oeuvre that encompasses all areas of life. In her works, she deals with many facets, political as well as private and emotional, which involve belonging ot the Rom*nja people, their history and rich cultural heritage. (Succession Vienna). She was nominated for the Turner Prize 2024.

Delaine's artwork incorporates a photo of her family at the Wickham Horse Fair - perfectly complementing the exhibition on the display boards.

View images of the Delaine Le Bas exhibition