Artists on the Big Screen: Rituals of the Roadways - Libby Bove
Film commissioned as part of the Reimagining the Film Archives project
11 Mar 2025 - 22 May 2025
10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday
'Rituals of the Roadways' explores an imagined timeline where the deep connection between labour and ritual, once central to agricultural life, thrives in a contemporary world. Focusing on the concept of 'Roadside Magic' (the use of plant knowledge, magic, and ritual as essential elements in vehicle repair and maintenance) and drawing inspiration from the South West’s rich history of folk celebrations and customs documented in the archives at The Box, the work presents a variety of fictional vehicular rituals and practitioners, reweaving celebration and magic back into the everyday.
More info
This film is free to watch and runs on a loop in Media Lab gallery. Running time 15 mins 20s.
Meet Bottlejacks and Roadwytches preparing charms for roadside rescue, Diesel Clappers busking for fuel at the pumps, and Cone Dancers bringing much needed good fortune on M.O.T. day.
The imagery used in Rituals of the Roadways is a combination archival film, photographs from Bove’s own archives, and new material shot in locations across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset – made possible by a cast of contributors.
Moving Image/Text/Costume: Libby Bove
Sound: Brian A. McWilliams
A special thanks to all who contributed: Jacqui Orly Ammon, Holly Black, Myfanwy Brice, Araceli Cabrera, Mr the Actual Creature, The Flaming Gulls, Mr John, Lucca, Miss Dandie Lyon, Donna Lyons, Philippa Metcalfe, Maisie, Elian Moisey, Heaps Morris, Madame Nutmeg, Ellie Nurcombe, Kelly Rich, Scamp, Selkie, Slightly, Stevie, Nathan Taylor, Francesca Way, Matilde Wrydlea, Jen Witts.
Image credit
Gasket Dancer - still from Rituals of the Roadways by Libby Bove, 2025. Courtesy of the artist.