PROJECTS

Into the Wyld was a five-month residency by Material Matters (MM) at Williamson Art Gallery and Museum. The project took the form of a cultural journey into the mythical world of the Arthurian romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, unfolding through contemporary art, performance, and public engagement.

‘I’ve said this so many times, to so many people, that I’m starting to question my sanity, but… Into the Wyld is the best exhibition Williamson Art Gallery has hosted for a long, long time. I’m not saying the others were bad, I’m just saying that this is outstanding.

As a listener/reader/observer, whatever I/we/you am/are, the entire experience is like listening to a bed time story, and vehemently believing in the magic.’

Patrick Kirk-Smith. Published in Art in Liverpool

The project was developed in partnership with the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum, Material Matters, Wirral Borough of Culture 2024, and Liverpool Hope University.At its core, Into the Wyld explored the profound ecological interconnections that sustain life on Earth.

Drawing on storytelling, myth-making, and artistic practice, the project used the medieval tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight as a lens through which to reflect on urgent contemporary ecological and social crises. Written in the 14th century, the poem makes direct reference to the Wirral — “In the wyldrenesse of Wyrale” — the very landscape in which the gallery is located. This geographical and mythical connection enabled Material Matters to reimagine the Wirral as a site of reflection, transformation, and ecological inquiry.

The programme comprised three major exhibitions at the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum, accompanied by a rich series of public events. These included six performances, an artist talk, poetry readings, a symposium, and three public conversations with participating artists. The project also featured children’s and family workshops linked to each exhibition, as well as an audio walk extending the experience beyond the gallery walls.