This contemporary art video is one of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on recently. It captures Damien Hirst: Printmaker, a bold, ambitious exhibition at The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle.
As part of the Culture Club series, the video is fronted by experienced broadcaster Kim Inglis and features interviews with curator Greville Worthington and Sheila Dixon of the Bowes team.
It’s also personally significant. This was one of my first presenter-led contemporary art videos, and it was a real privilege to collaborate with a professional like Kim Inglis. Her clarity, warmth, and ability to lead interviews made the whole process a pleasure and elevated the film beyond a straightforward walk-through. She brought the narrative structure and confidence needed to guide viewers through a complex and varied body of work.
A Landmark Contemporary Art Video for the North East
The Bowes Museum, rooted in the vision of John and Joséphine Bowes, has always had an appetite for innovation. In this contemporary art video, that tradition is continued with the inclusion of one of Britain’s most talked-about artists—Damien Hirst.
From the moment Kim Inglis opens the video in front of the museum’s grand façade, viewers are invited to reconsider what a museum can be. Far from simply “glass cases and roped-off displays,” as she remarks, The Bowes Museum offers a surprising blend of history and bold artistic risk.
Curator Greville Worthington speaks passionately in the artist profile video segment about his ambition to stage a print-focused Hirst exhibition:
“There’s a huge amount of variety in his work… and I thought, what a great exhibition it would be to bring various themes of his printmaking career together.”
This contemporary art video showcases key pieces like the Spot Etchings—each featuring 162 uniquely coloured dots, individually pressed—and the Spin Etchings, bursting with centrifugal energy. The film doesn’t just show these works; it explains their significance, process, and emotional weight.
About the Curator: Greville Worthington
Greville Worthington’s presence grounds the contemporary art video with knowledge, enthusiasm, and an eye for detail. His background as a collector and curator brings depth to the interview as he reflects on Hirst’s legacy and influence:
“He’s become probably one of the most famous artists on the planet.”
Worthington draws unexpected connections, such as the parallels between Hirst’s For the Love of God and Goya’s works upstairs in the museum. These insights highlight the thoughtful curation behind the exhibition and deepen the viewer’s understanding of Hirst’s engagement with themes of death, the afterlife, and the body.
Filming Contemporary Art Videos: My Practice
As a documentary filmmaker, I focus on understated, human storytelling—often in the form of contemporary art videosand artist profile videos. My approach is grounded in minimal kit, natural light, and meaningful collaboration.
This project pushed me to blend my usual observational style with presenter-led filming. I’ve long worked with artists and curators, but integrating a host like Kim added a new layer of communication. It gave the video more structure, rhythm, and energy—qualities that are crucial for an engaging contemporary art video.
Filming in The Bowes Museum, close to where I started my filmmaking journey, made the experience even more personal. It reinforced my commitment to highlighting the vibrant, often overlooked creative work happening across the North East.
Why This Artist Profile Video Matters
This artist profile video goes beyond documenting an exhibition—it offers insight into the practice of one of Britain’s most inventive contemporary artists. From The Last Supper series to his lesser-known spin and spot works, the film brings Hirst’s printmaking into focus in a way that’s both visually rich and accessible.
As Greville notes:
“There’s no formaldehyde in sight. This isn’t a shocking exhibition. But it is a powerful one.”
The contemporary art video form allows that power to come through—through movement, space, and conversation. The visual rhythm of the film mirrors the careful placement of works in the gallery, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and consider Hirst’s themes with fresh eyes.
Final Thoughts
Creating this contemporary art video with Kim Inglis and the Bowes team was a milestone in my filmmaking career. It reflects the kind of work I love to do: responsive, thoughtful, and grounded in real creative energy. Whether you’re an art lover, a Hirst sceptic, or new to the museum entirely, this film offers a fresh way to engage with contemporary printmaking.
🖼️ You can explore more of my artist profile videos here.