River

What would it mean to make an artwork for a river?

Spending time with rivers is a type of time travel, we can think back to their formation over millennia, and if we are hopeful, imagine them flowing into a future beyond our lifetimes.

Rivers have played a formative role in the development of both Manchester and Oulu, shaping our cities through industry and migration, both are now sites of ecological recovery. Thinking with rivers encourages us to consider how we belong in global ecological communities.

Niki Colclough

Niki Colclough (she/her) is an artist based in Manchester, UK. Her practice is closely related to place; considering the social, emotional and ecological landscapes we inhabit. Since training as a Shinrin Yoku leader, Niki has incorporated this practice into various artworks in commissions with Camden Art Centre, LeftCoast, Manchester University, Wysing Arts Centre and At The Library.

Niki’s work is often collaborative, working with scientists, ecologists and community activists. Her work exists in various spaces; coastlines, forests, libraries and galleries and takes the form of walks, workshops, installations, audio experiments, conversations and collage.

Niki teaches on the MA Socially Engaged Practice at the University of Salford and is a founder of ‘Material Makes’ a monthly biomaterials club hosted at Islington Mill.