About Claye Bowler: Dig Me a Grave

A new exhibition opening this autumn in the 18th century Chapel, Dig Me a Grave by Claye Bowler explores graves and burial chambers as sites for introspection. Bowler uses these familiar structures as a way to open up conversations about how we process death and how we navigate living in its wake.

Drawing from lived experience of transness, queerness and disability, Bowler reflects on universal themes of waiting, transformation and mortality. Sculptures made in plaster, latex, stone and metal, some of which visitors are invited to sit or lie within, will be accompanied by a soundscape inspired by traditional folk songs with themes relating to love and loss.

Visitors may remember the artist’s video in YSP’s group exhibition On Queer Ground in 2022.

In 2024 Bowler spent time on site as a recipient of an Arts Right Truth Residency with the University of York and YSP.

Supported by the Jerwood New Work Fund, Arts Council England and the Henry Moore Foundation.