This publication accompanies the tour of Sophy Rickett’s video and sound installation, To The River. During the vernal equinox of 2010, Sophy Rickett set up a rig of spotlights along the bank of the River Severn, and over several nights filmed and recorded the crowds of people who clustered together to watch the Severn Bore – a tidal surge that sweeps up the estuary at times throughout the year. To The River is a three screen video installation with 12 track sound that dynamically evokes the excitement, anticipation and uncertainty of standing there on the bank, in the dark, under the light, and waiting.

Including texts by Sacha Craddock and Barry Schwabsky, along with film stills, transcripts of sound, research material, and a text by the artist; this publication examines parallels in Rickett’s distinctive use of landscape and its translation from photography to video and sound.

To The River was commissioned by Elena Hill, in association with Arnolfini and Artsway.