wolverhampton art gallery Exhibitions & Events March April May 2010Free entry
Welcome
As we head into 2010, it’s natural to look
back upon a decade that has ended with
so much uncertainty. The new Pop Gallery
exhibition, Pop Protest: Art for an Anxious
Age compares the last decade with another
turbulent political period, 1965 – 1975, when
Pop artists became social commentators.
We continue the season of
exhibitions showcasing the
best in film and video art with
Holylands by Seamus Harahan.
This is a recent acquisition,
funded by the Contemporary
Art Society. The film portrays
an extraordinary residential
area in Belfast, defined by its
history of religious divide and
social unrest and through its
name draws comparison with
the situation in the Middle
East.
This season’s programme is
teaming with talks by artists
and curators, including an
opportunity to tour The
Northern Ireland Collection:
Fresh Perspectives in May,
before it is replaced in June
by a 6 month touring
exhibition.
Finally, we will be celebrating
International Women’s Week
(8 – 14 March) with a talk
looking at how traditional
‘feminine’ skills such as sewing
have crossed the conceptual
barrier to be used in fine art
practice. There will be a
chance to try your hand at
knitting, and a last chance to
see the exhibition POP: Jann
Haworth, which has brought
the work of one of Pop’s
underrepresented women
artists to public attention.
We hope you enjoy the new
season, and that you will
discover an event or exhibition
at Wolverhampton Art Gallery
that will spark your creativity
in 2010.
Corinne Miller
Head of Arts and Museums
Cover image: Rose’s Halo (detail) by Aether & Hemera © the artists
Pop Jann HaworthUntil 10 Apr 2010
Hollywood-born artist Jann Haworth
(b. 1942) is among the few women
associated with the Pop Art movement
of the 1960s. Her sewn cloth soft
sculptures refer to typically American
Pop themes such as fast food, film
stars, cheerleaders, cowboys and
comics, as well as to her experiences
of living in England during a period
of cultural transformation. Developed
in partnership with the artist, this
exhibition is the first UK solo show
of Haworth’s work in a public gallery
since 1972.
EventsThe Power of the Stitch
Sat 13 Mar 2 – 4pm
To celebrate International Women’s
Week, this talk will look at traditional
feminine crafts crossing the barrier
into the masculine world of fine art
followed by demonstrations and a
chance to learn a new skill. All skill
levels welcomed.
Stitches & Hos at
Wolverhampton Art Gallery
Wed 31 Mar 6 – 9pm
Stitches and Hos are a motley crew
of enthusiasts for all things knitted,
crocheted and stitched who will be
bringing their monthly knitting night
to the gallery for a one-off special.
Dj’s will be playing music throughout
the evening and a pay bar will be
available.
Image: Pop Jann Haworth installation © Lee Allen
Balnakiel by Shona IllingworthUntil 1 May
A mesmerizing journey into sight, sound
and memory. Shona Illingworth’s newly
commissioned film offers a vivid portrait
of Balnakiel, a remarkable location, at the
furthermost edge of Britain. Exposed to
extremes of weather, geology and the
disturbing omnipresence of the RAF and
Royal Navy, who use this area of Scottish
land as a bombing range, the brooding,
melancholic landscape has a significant
emotional and psychological impact on its
residents.
The artist explores the social context of this
land through photography, film and recorded
narrative. Herself an ex-resident, Shona’s
investigative processes come from both a
personal perspective and a more objectiv
e conceptual approach, shaped in part by
exchanges with cognitive neuro-psychologist
Martin Conway, whose work draws attention
to the strategies memory employs to attempt
to either articulate or suppress strong
undercurrents of experience when a sense
of self and community identity is under threat.
Balnakiel is commissioned by Film and Video
Umbrella in association with John Hansard
Gallery and Wolverhampton Art Gallery.
Funded by the Wellcome Trust with support
from The Highland Legacy Trust and
Danish Embassy.
Still from Balnakiel by Shona Illingworth © the artist
EventsCurator Tour – Kate Pryor-Williams
Sat 27 Mar 2pm
Join the curator of Balnakiel by
Shona Illingworth for a tour of the
exhibition and a chance to find out
more about the work and the themes
around it.
Highland Connections
Sat 3 April 2pm - 3pm
Join Art Interpreter Keith Oram for
a talk linking The Highland Laddies’
Return and Sunday in the Backwoods
to Shona Illingworth’s exhibition
Balnakiel. It will draw on Scottish
history and the social implications
of the Highland Clearances.
Memory
Sat 24 Apr 11am – 2pm
Painter and Art Interpreter
Dean Melbourne will lead you in
a creative session exploring the
themes of Shona Illingworth’s
Balnakiel exhibition. Contrasting
social and personal memory, this
workshop will use photographs as
a source to create challenging
drawings and painting. £10 per
person, booking is essential.
Please call 01902 550060.
Holylands
by Seamus Harahan20 Mar - 3 Jul
This exhibition presents our latest
acquisition, acquired thorough the
Contemporary Art Society. By Belfast
based artist and filmmaker Seamus
Harahan, Holylands was shot through
the artist’s window on the streets of
Belfast and directly references the
names of his neighbourhoods streets -
Jerusalem Street, Palestine Street,
Damascus Street, Carmel Street and
Cairo Street.
The film depicts people going about
their everyday lives where a bag lady
rummages in a bin, young boys play
with a water pipe, and a delivery
van unloads outside a shop. It is an
ordinary snapshot of an extraordinary
area, defined by its history of religious
divide and social unrest.
EventSeamus Harahan in Conversation
Wed 17 Jul 3.30 – 4.30pm
Join Seamus Harahan as he speaks about
Holylands. Followed by drinks recepti
on and live music by Gallagher Brothers.
Free, drop in.
The Northern Ireland Collection:Fresh Perspectives
This exhibition considers the role of visual
artists in representing Northern Ireland’s
contested past and future.
Highlights from Wolverhampton’s Northern
Ireland Collection are shown alongside
borrowed works from national and artist
collections.
EventsVisions of Northern Ireland
Wed 22 Apr
Join art interpreter Adrian Clamp for this
talk and discover how artists have responded
to the sensitive issues of Northern Ireland.
Evening tour of Northern Ireland Collection
Wed 19 May 5.30pm – 6.30pm
An informal tour of the Northern Ireland
Collection before the installation of a new
6 month temporary exhibition in June.
Seamus Harahan, Holylands, 2004, single channel video installation, colour
with sound, 32.30 mins. Purchased through the Contemporary Art Society's
Acquisition Scheme 2009.
Pop Protest:
Art for an Anxious Age1 May - 30 Oct
Drawing on the gallery’s extensive
collection of Pop Art and artist
collections, Pop Protest compares two
periods in our recent history: 1965-1975
and 2000-2010, exploring what made
these years so fragile and turbulent for
us.
In both periods Pop artists have acted
as social commentators, demonstrating
the impact of war and politics on
society- whether it be in 1970s Vietnam
or modern day Iraq. The exhibition
includes Gerald Laing’s War Paintings,
Derek Boshier’s Pantomime War works,
and Jann Haworth’s Hollow Men piece
from the noughties, while artworks by
Richard Hamilton, Colin Self, Joe Tilson,
and James Rosenquist cast a critical
lens on the sixties and seventies.
Objects and ephemera highlight the
political events that inspired the artists
and which shaped the social anxiety
that defines each of the periods.
EventArt Speaking – Pop Protest
Sat 15 May 1pm – 2pm
As part of our audio describing
season Dean Melbourne will
explore a key piece in the Pop
Protest exhibition.
Boston Massacre by Larry Rivers © Estate
of Larry Rivers/ DACS, London/VAGA, New
York 2010.
Gift This display showcases some of the many
art works that The Friends of Wolverhampton
Arts and Museums Service has helped us to
acquire, through their fundraising activities,
over the years. 2009 is their 30th anniversary
and visitors will be able to discover more
about the work of the Friends group and
find out how to get involved.
EventArt Speaking – Gift
Sat 20 Mar 1pm – 2pm
Art Interpreter Keith Oram will deliver an
Audio Described session in our Gift exhibition
allowing those with a visual impairment to
experience these fascinating works.
Pork Knocker Dreams- Recent work by Donald LockeUntil 29 May 2010
Donald Locke has lived, studied and worked in Guyana, Britain and the USA, moving backwards
and forwards across the Atlantic for a number of years. In Guyana, during the 1960’s, he was
a key part of the creative elite who shaped art after Independence, using the language of
modernism allied with traditional motifs to help mould a new International Style. His artwork
explores elements of modernism and folk art and his distinctive sculptures fuse the influences
of Western, Caribbean and Southern American culture.
Pork Knocker dreams is Donald Locke’s first UK solo show since the 1970s. The exhibition has
been curated by Indra Khanna and produced in partnership with The New Art Exchange.
Queen 2003
© Donald Locke
Victorian GalleryDiscover Wolverhampton’s collection of
Victorian decorative objects and artworks in
a new permanent exhibition. The two-room
display explores the fascinating world of the
Victorians, including their passion for eastern
influenced design.
Event Art Speaking – Victorian Gallery
Sat 17 Apr 1pm – 2pm
Allowing those with a visual impairment to
experience this exhibition, Art Interpreter
Janet Crook will deliver an Audio Described
talk in the Victorian Gallery.
Dodda Maggy3 Apr - 29 May
Icelandic artist, Dodda Maggy explores
the role of women in films, recreating and
exaggerating women’s traits and
stereotypes on screen.
In the film Margret, the character spins
around, spiralling out of control whilst
raising her hands before she falls over-
unable to keep her balance without
appearing confused or disorientated.
The film I’m not Here shows a woman
in a leotard fading in and out of sight
in a domestic setting, the artist here is
challenging the representation of women
in film and the conclusions viewers make
from women’s behaviour, appearance and
surroundings.
Shift Life30 Jan - 26 Mar
This interactive digital projection provides
visitors with a chance to explore a virtual
world made of biological life forms. By
playing with the objects around a large
wooden box, you are able to alter the living
environment for the digital creatures. This is
a fun and interactive show for everyone to
experiment and engage with, where the
stability of the virtual world rests in your
hands.
Hire Space
Days Like These
by Andrew Christopher
Until 13 Mar
Paintings from Andrew Christopher’s Days
Like These exhibition capture the fragile
moments of everyday life. A figure sits
motionless high up in a tree surveying the
world that surrounds him, whilst shadows
bustle and birds dance across the starlit sky.
Shining Stars
20 Mar - 17 Apr
Shining stars will highlight the achievements
of Wolverhampton people from schools and
community groups in partnership with the
Education and Outreach team at Wolver-
hampton Arts and Museums Service.
Object, Sound and Image
by George Clark-Roden
24 Apr – 22 May
This exhibition focuses on the tensions
between perception, form and sound. The
artist’s approach involves the development
of material and sonic encounters with the
public, creating a dialogue between the art
and the participant.
Stills from Margret/I’m not Here
© Vane and Dodda Maggy
Family events
Big Stuff
Wed 7 Apr, Fri 9 Apr
11am – 1pm
Go poptastic and make
oversized everyday objects
inspired by the Jann Haworth
exhibition. £2 per child.
Art 4 Kids
Sat 6 Mar, Sat 3 Apr
Sat 1 May 11am – 1pm
Get creative and come along
to our free monthly club for
budding young artists. Aged
11 and under.
Family Focus
Sat 8 May 11am – 12pm
and 1pm-2pm
Bring along your grown-ups
and explore our collection in
a hands-on workshop. Free,
booking advised, please call
01902 550060.
Stories15 May - 28 Aug
Enter a magical world of storytelling
and discover work inspired by childhood
memories, fictional stories and fairy tales.
Through paintings, drawings, sculptures
and art installations, the gallery space will
be transformed into an enchanted, playful
and mysterious land. Look out for a few
surprises dotted about the gallery.
Spend some time in our resource area
reading a range of interesting and
delightful books available.
Rose’s Halo by Aether & Hemera © the artists
Artforum
Artforum is the Gallery’s group
for young people (14-25).
Contact Jen Dooner at
the Gallery or check out
www.myspace.com/wagartforum.
All sessions are free and drop in.
Jann Haworth animation workshop
Wed 3 Mar 4.30pm - 6.30pm
Follow up from last session with
more animation; finish your work
from last time or make something
new!
Jann Haworth workshop
Wed 17 Mar 4.30pm - 6.30pm
Explore the techniques and ideas
in Jann Haworth’s textile work
and get creative in this workshop
exploring fabric portraits. Add
your piece to our wall hanging
which will be exhibited in the
gallery later this year.
Behind the scenes
Wed 21 Apr 4.30pm - 6.30pm
Take a look behind the scenes
with our collections officer. Learn
how we care for works of art and get
the chance to explore pieces close-
up.
Pop Protest
Part 1: Wed 5 May 4.30 - 6.30
Part 2: Wed 19 May 4.30 - 6.30
Get to grips with this challenging
new exhibition which explores
protest and social commentary in
pop art. Take inspiration from the
show and explore the ideas and
techniques used in Pop Protest
in this creative workshop.
Image: Pop Jann Haworth installation © Lee Allen
Pop Protest band night
Thu 6 May 5pm - 8pm
Our band night will showcase a
selection of the best local unsigned
bands... plus there'll be arty
activities, badgemaking and our
brand new Pop Protest exhibition.
Free drinks and snacks.
Access
Blue badge holders may use the parking bays
on Wulfruna Street, just a few metres from the
ramped entrance in St. Peter's Passage. Two
lifts serve the upper floors of the gallery.
Limited seating is available on the lower floor
of the Cafe - to reserve a seat please call 01902
552055.
Information
Gallery assistants are happy to answer your
questions. Each exhibition also has extra
information in a variety of ways to help you
get the most from your visit.
Travel
The Gallery is 5 minutes walk from rail, metro
and bus stations. The nearest car park is the
Civic Centre (entrance in Wulfruna Street), just
two minutes from the Gallery. By car follow the
signs for Wolverhampton from the M5, M6 &
M54. The Art Gallery is clearly signposted in the
city centre. The nearest car parks are the Civic
Centre or Broad Street.
Shop
A treasure trove of souvenirs, original crafts,
cards and jewellery, for all tastes and budgets.
Café
Relax in the laid-back setting of the Café
with its delicious menu, including a range of
speciality loose-leaf teas and fantastic fresh
coffees to accompany the famous cake
selection.
Friends of Wolverhampton Arts + Museums
Become a 'Friend' and help buy works of art
for the collections as well as enjoying special
events and trips. Pick up a form at the Gallery
or print a copy from our website
www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk.
Venue Hire
The perfect city centre venue for a special
event, conference or meeting, from as little as
£60. For further information, call 01902 552055
or email [email protected]
Resource Centre
Find out more about pictures and objects from
Wolverhampton's collections in the new
Resource Centre. Contact the Gallery to make
an appointment or to find out more.
Visit www.wolverhamptoncity.co.uk for your
ultimate guide to visiting the city.
Visit UsWolverhampton Art Gallery
Lichfield Street Wolverhampton
WV1 1DU
Open Monday - Saturday
10am - 5pm, Free Entry
The Gallery will be closed for Bank Holidays:
2 April, 5 April, 6 April, 3 May, 31 May
Tel: 01902 552055 fax: 01902 552053
www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk
Wolverhampton Art Gallery is grateful to the following for their funding and support: