VOID FRACTION An ongoing exploration of limestone and limestone dust / powder / flour in its many forms. This collaboration between Mari Rose Pritchard and Julie Upmeyer began with a seemingly simple line of inquiry – we were researching the permeability (both physically and conceptually) of Caernarfon Castle’s limestone walls.
Drawn to a local source for limestone, we visited Aber Quarry, a quarry still in operation on Anglesey. On our very first visit, we encountered a by-product of the quarrying process: limestone powder an aqueous, semi-solid and almost rock-like state. Poured in a liquid state, it formed an opaque milky pool, piled high, it became towering white mountains. We were instantly transfixed by its other-worldliness.
The project has taken us deep into time through performance, installation and actions on the beaches of Aberlleiniog, along the city walls of Istanbul and in quarries throughout Wales.