PASSAGES
Exploring and anchoring the past through assemblage – where heritage and history meet.
Tova McKenzie-Bassant
26 February – 15 March 2025
‘Passages’ is a solo exhibition by the artist Tova McKenzie-Bassant, presenting three bodies of assemblage, (Tokens for the Journey, Silent Witnesses and Uncle Joe’s Bowl), brought together to form this piece, and chronicles journeys made by so many, both geographically and personally, from distant homelands to the shores of England.
Tova with ‘Silent Witnesses’ 100 boxes installed at Sevenoaks Kaleidoscope Art Gallery as part of PASSAGES
Wednesday 5 March 6-8
Artist talk and short film
‘We don’t get to choose when a noticing or inspiration comes.
We can only be there to receive it’. Rick Rubin: The Creative Act
Join us for refreshments and to view the extraordinary, accomplished exhibition PASSAGES an exploration of history and heritage by SVAF member Tova McKenzie -Bassant. The evening will include viewing a short film followed by a Q&A with the artist.
Comments made after the first film showing at the PV:
‘Tova’s exhibition of over a hundred small beautifully crafted boxes contain power and narrative. Her short film was absorbing. The story of this body of work, this artistic and life journey, sparked by researching a personal query, the flow and music selection surprised me in my emotional response. Beautifully edited and produced by Jenny Hill.’
‘I am blown away. Thank you for the beautiful creativity, Tova’
‘Exquisite, meticulous, humour and beauty always present.’
‘Fantastic exhibition, the film gave context which added to my experience. Thank you so much’
The audience asked for a repeated showing following the Q&A
Tova McKenzie-Bassant is a British artist of Jamaican heritage, whose practice centres on collage, photography, assemblage, and poetry. Born in the UK toAsian and African parents, exploring the hidden effects of marginalisation on Black British people is of particular interest; as well as the complexities of fitting or not fitting into countries of birth, the struggle to manage conflicting identity values while occupying multiple identity spaces, and the internal conflicts that arise from the feeling of being without ‘a voice’.
Tova attended Putney School of Art and Chelsea School of Art before studying at Goldsmiths College. She lived and worked in London and Athens before eventually settling in Sevenoaks.
Private view Friday 28th February 6 – 8.00
The evening will include a short film followed by a Q&A with the artist.
Website: www.tovamckb.com
The homepage includes a video of Tova talking about her work – https://www.tovamckb.com/videos
