Mani Kambo: Ax·is Mun·di at Baltic

Ceremony, religion and symbolism are the focus of the Baltic‘s new exhibition from Newcastle-based artist Mani Kambo.

The artist’s major body of work is displayed in the Level 2 Gallery as a result of a seven-month residency that she undertook at Baltic, which supported her in creating brand new work with the assistance of curators, technical experts and equipment.

Kambo’s work is strongly influenced by her upbringing in a spiritual and superstitious household and she puts into question daily routines and rituals. Practically, her work incorporates textiles, fabric dying and printmaking, and is rooted in her family history within the caste system.

The mythological meaning of the title itself ‘axis mundi’, can be translated from Latin as ‘centre of the world’, and although this can relate to the line dividing other realms like heaven and hell, the show seems more concerned with the human world and its symbolism. Indeed, archetypal symbols abound throughout Ax·is Mun·di, ranging from widely used ones that recur in different spiritual systems, to obscure knots and geometric compositions. All of them appear in monochrome which makes them feel like universal motifs that cross beliefs and cultures while visually, they’re clean and refined. Throughout the show, there are echoes of totems and Tarot card-like meanings and a sense that these symbols can somehow be interpreted, despite being created for the artist’s personal lexicon.

Kambo started off by working with moving images and video, before experimenting with prints and cyanotype and eventually textiles. In the show, you’ll find small but striking works like tiny hand amulets to larger works, like the textile banners suspended from the high ceilings. The curation of the exhibition is very considered – the terracotta colour of the walls contrasts with the works on display and, creating a warm atmosphere that invites audiences to look, reflect and perhaps even meditate on the possible meanings.