Javasu is an exhibition by Bristol based artist Savinder Bual, featuring occasional works by artist Sarah Boulton.

Javasu draws upon various points in history in which sea monsters, the pineapple and moving panoramas triggered the public’s imagination to wonder what it was like to journey to faraway lands that were inaccessible to them.

The exhibition is a tribute to Bristol resident Mary Baker, who in 1817 convinced the public that she was ‘Princess Caraboo’ from a fictitious island called Javasu. A fascination with the exotic and a curiosity to discover more about faraway lands had duped the public into believing in Caraboo’s authenticity. They imbued her with mythologies constructed from their limited knowledge of the world.

Javasu will include video, interactive kinetic sculptures and text works. A series of events will accompany the exhibition, including two unique musical collaborations by The Pineapple Orchestra with Pete Bennett, musician and researcher in human-computer interaction at the University of Bristol, and Blues singer/musician Joe Strouzer. Sarah Boulton will host a creative ‘happening’ and there will be an artist film evening with works selected from an open call exploring the idea of ‘imagined faraway lands’.

Javasu is supported using public funding from Arts Council England.

With thanks to Colston Hall for supporting the musical performances.