On entering Helene Roberts's room made in conjunction with Tiff Oben, you can't help but feel trapped; most of the room is filled with a shallow pool of water, stopping any real movement around the room and enabling the enclosed space and damp walls to let out a claustrophobic atmosphere. Across at the far wall is a slideshow of pictures of a disused warehouse, showing a much larger yet similar space in a state of disrepair. As this is a reference to the outside world, it leaves a feeling of hopelessness. Added to this is the most remarkable piece of sculpture, incorporating a window which leads to a storm drain. Roberts has filled the window and this part of the room with bracken and dead twigs and leaves; lit from the bottom, it catches the eye immediately and keeps its attention. However, as the water pool is in the way in the middle of the room, the viewer has to lean over to see this feature properly, further adding to the sense of oppression and subjection.

Joao Morais Wales Art Review