The Presence of Absence: An upholsterer, a contemporary surrealist, a painter and a photographer will come together for a two-week interactive exhibition at Brighton’s Regency Townhouse in September 2026. “Your absence is a presence. Who knew an empty space could take up so much room.” Jacqueline Simon Gunn It began with an empty chair, that holds the narrative of those who once sat in it and the comfort or pain that represents; that the absence of someone is as real and as meaningful as their presence. At the heart of this exhibition are 4 vintage chairs; a collaboration between Frances Bloomfield and Emily Beaumont. The chairs will explore the concepts of memory, healing, secrets and retreat. “A chair replaces the presence of someone by holding their absence.” Doris Salcedo “Influenced by Jean-Paul Sartre’s study on Being and Nothingness, we wanted to explore the concept that absence is a very real and substantial being.” Frances Bloomfield Jo Hathaway’s work on memory and reflection bring colour and light and the internal, abstract experience of the theme; Nick Bowman’s photographs each tell their own story of light, nature and the impact of revelation and obscurity, alongside additional work by Frances Bloomfield and Emily […]
