Melanie Manchot

This artwork is part of Ways of Seeing, a partnership between Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019 and the Government Art Collection. Ways of Seeing turns the borough into a gallery with 33 internationally renowned artisit displayed in 28 unexpected locations.

Imagine walking a horse through untouched snow, in complete silence. Melanie Manchot’s video Cadence at Lee Valley Riding Centre shows a woman doing just that. Viewed from above, the horse appears dark against the white winter landscape. Its hoofprints make a circle as it is led through its exercises. The pattern slowly expands as we watch. 

How did the artist capture this beautiful moment? Was it accidental or was the whole event staged? Manchot likes to blur the boundary between fact and fiction. To what extent can we control the natural world around us? The artist tackles questions like this in her films, drawing on choreography, dance and processions.

Born in Witten, Germany, Melanie Manchot graduated in Fine Art Photography from the Royal College of Art, London, in 1992. She has lectured at many UK art colleges including Goldsmiths, University of London, and the University of the Arts London. In 2017, she was shortlisted for the Jarman Award by Film London. 

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