Independent State

Independent State was a major participatory project that celebrated Frome’s reputation for independence. Foreground commissioned leading British artists Edwina Ashton, Bob and Roberta Smith and Matt Stokes to work with groups of local people from Frome’s community from July to September in 2009 to make significant new artworks, which formed entries into the annual Frome Carnival on 26 September 2009.

The 64-page publication, designed by regular Foreground collaborator designer Daren Newman features a visual essay by photographer Charlie Thomas charting the events staged by the artists to research, recruit participants and make the works together with the carnival night itself. The visual essay is accompanied by an intriguing written account of this innovative project written by Foreground Director, Simon Morrissey.

Independent State
Edwina Ashton, Bob & Roberta Smith, Matt Stokes

Designed by Daren Newman
Essay by Simon Morrissey
Published by Foreground, 2012

Softcover
Perfect bound
64pp
205 x 150mm

ISBN number: 978-0-9567002-0-9