Historically, Gloucester, Massachusetts, has been a source of inspiration and contemplation for artists, as they delve into the layers of history woven within its landscapes, oceans and collective memories. From May 10 through Memorial Day, the Manship Arts and Residence (MARS) program presents “The Net Works,” a multisensory installation that encapsulates the narrative of Gloucester’s fishing community.
Since 2020, the MARS program has served as a sanctuary for writers, visual artists, scholars and scientists, providing a dedicated space for self-discovery and creative exploration for both local and international communities. Among the current program’s residents is Erika Senft Miller, a German-born and Vermont-based multidisciplinary artist who has been engaged as an artist in residence for the past four years.
Senft Miller is renowned for her immersive, site-specific work, which often involves orchestrating large-scale collaborative productions in various indoor and outdoor settings, incorporating dancers, performers and a diverse array of creative professionals. Throughout her residency at MARS, including during lockdown, Senft Miller has actively cultivated connections with the Gloucester community, both in person and remotely, fostering a network of connectivity forging intertwined strategies.
To elaborate the Artist-in-Residence project, Senft Miller drew inspiration from the heart of Gloucester’s local fishing community. Her connection with the fishing community traces back to her childhood in Sweden, where cherished memories and profound emotions have shaped her identity. Motivated by her heritage connection, she sought to directly engage with the rich legacy of Gloucester, by entirely delving into the intricacies of the fishing industry, the lives of fishermen and their families, and the personal challenges inherent in venturing from solid ground into the vast expanse of the sea.