Emma’s practice explores the uncertain state of reality – during her time at OSE she has continued this line of enquiry by building on previous research into Conchlyomania (shell lunacy) during the Subterranean and Spelunking projects; cleaning, altering and replacing shells on the local beaches. Emma also produced and performed an artist’s ‘talk’ on lie spotting and truth seeking, examining micro-expressions, magic and fake news – dubbed ‘Leaking Joy’. For the Turner Contemporary takeover day she collaborated with fellow associates Chloe Ashley and Sarah Trillo on ‘The Handling Collection’, trolleys of intriguing fake/real/found objects with tall tales to match, testing what we are willing to believe in when presented with ‘facts’.

Her final presentation for ‘The Well’  was based on 12 boxes of undeciphered code found in her Grandad’s house after his death ten years ago. MacGuffin is the first step towards a mystery radio series and accompanying online installation unpacking the emotional impact of an encounter with the unknowable, through interviews with ‘experts’, found ASMR sound and the code itself.

Her next venture will utilise canned laughter.