Shot from Naomi Frears’s studio window overlooking Porthmeor beach in St Ives, the first part of Men Falling observes surfers as they come to the end of their ride on a wave. In these final moments they seem to give themselves to the sea, each bringing their own particular style to the dismount. This is paired with a second section that recounts the artist’s memories of the days leading up to the death of her father.
The work combines a seemingly passive and detached gaze with an intimacy of recollection that is infused with a gentle, dry humour.
On Thursday 28 April Naomi Frears will be joined by Exeter Phoenix Curator Matt Burrows for an evening of conversation about the development of Men Falling, originally commissioned for an exhibition of the same title at Exeter Phoenix in 2021.
Tickets for the evening event are £11.50 including a two course CAST Café supper. To book please email [email protected] or call 01326 569267 during open hours.