Undercurrent was an installation of textiles, sculpture, sound, text and film that narrates the tales of the Aire and Calder Navigation that runs through Wakefield.
The Navigation (two rivers made traversable by small sections of navigation) has a long and complex history. The accompanying poems speak of profits from the slave trade, which were invested in the Navigation’s networks, and its Victorian chapter saw it become a powerful and dangerous industrial conduit. It currently serves as a location for local boaters and plays a crucial part in the local authority’s heritage narrative; all of which ensures that it resonates with a loud cultural, aesthetic and socio-political clamour.
The duo Annie Nelson and Chris Woodward (formally known as Yoke) are longtime collaborators driven by a passion for making research meaningful and accessible. For this project, they collected stories from local people connected to the Navigation, whether through personal use or ties to its history.
In the exhibition, buoys and salvaged footballs were painted with poignant reminders of the constant threats of loss and submersion. A hi-vis flag bears the grim story of a young boy who jumped off a bridge into the Navigation, struck a dead cow, and was left with severely injured legs. The steady hum of inflatables filling with air evokes the sound of water flowing through lock gates. A net bag of bricks recalls both salvaged debris and the tragic fate of unwanted animals
Nelson and Woodward’s work explores the role of artists in society and their relationship with the public. Reflecting this, Undercurrent encourages participation, engagement, and ongoing dialogue. Stanley Ferry Marina served as a base for the artist to collect local stories. Mooring their boat at the site, they hosted workshops, walks, lock tours, and poetry readings to connect with the community. Their own experiences navigating the waterway gave them first-hand insight into the challenges of boat life.
