MANCHESTER.- HOME is presenting Fleeting Flights, a new solo exhibition by British artist David Bethell, (26 January - 17 March 2019).

The exhibition follows the story of a man’s struggle to escape from his own self-induced purgatory. Taking place in an isolated woodland, the story follows the protagonist’s futile attempts to escape his ramshackle shack via a wooden balloon.

The exhibition features David Bethell’s debut short film for the first time, also called Fleeting Flights, co-commissioned by Mark Devereux Projects and HOME Artist Film. As part of this solo gallery presentation, the exhibition includes the many elaborate wooden contraptions designed and built by the artist.

Fleeting Flights follows the artist’s interests in imagining and creating functional objects that are tested to their material limits. Many of the sculptural works within the exhibition have been reinterpreted from previous artworks. Bethell's work frequently uses humour to explore recurring themes of folly and futile work.

Fleeting Flights is the culmination of an eight-month project called Re-sight, in which the artist undertook intensive artist professional development with Mark Devereux Projects and external mentors. The final work marks Bethell’s first foray into incorporating short film within his sculptural and performative practice. Re-sight and Fleeting Flights has been supported by Arts Council England and HOME.

David Bethell commented: “I am proud to be showing my first short film and installation work, Fleeting Flights at HOME in collaboration with Mark Devereux Projects. This work marks the culmination of my most ambitious project to date, working with a fantastic team of mentors, producers, film crew and actors – many of which for the first time.”

Bren O’Callaghan, Curator, HOME, added: “Fleeting Flights is a striking new exhibition that shows our commitment to developing emerging talent in the UK. Over the last 8-months I’ve worked with David to support each stage of his project alongside script advisor Len Horsey and Mark Devereux Projects, working towards the production and delivery of this must-see exhibition.”

Fleeting Flights is co-produced and curated by Mark Devereux Projects and HOME, Manchester