http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 AirSpace Gallery Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:55:42 +0000 a-n rss generator a-n The Artists Information Company and contributors edit@a-n.co.uk technical@a-n.co.uk http://www.a-n.co.uk/img/logo.gif http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 As the AirSpace project is already one year old I feel like we should start with a little background information on the group and what they have achieved so far. It all started with two graduates from the BA Fine Art course at Staffordshire University, David Bethell and Andrew Branscombe, who decided that something had to be done to improve the contemporary art scene in Stoke on Trent. As local lads they saw students coming to Stoke to study and leaving due to the lack of opportunities in the area. So they decided that they were going to make the opportunities themselves.Through their time at University David and Andrew had organised the Conjunction exhibitions with fellow student Matt Roberts. The Conjunction open submission exhibitions took place in 03, 04, 05 and ending with a huge nationwide Conjunction 06 showing in London, Birmingham and Stoke on Trent and including 46 local, national and international artists.Not put off by the sleepless nights on gallery floors David and Andrew are now using the experience gained through the Conjunction shows to embark on the bigger project of The Artist Led AirSpace Gallery and Studios.The mission: to be the centre for the Visual Arts in Stoke-on-Trent and the region, providing gallery, studio, educational and meeting spacesAfter months of searching and networking they finally, in February 2006, secured a temporary gallery space in a disused pottery factory five minutes from Stoke on Trent's city centre. The building itself dates from the mid nineteenth century and was a family run company until production ceased in 2000, under the original name of J H Weatherby and Sons. It has now been taken over by Forth Estates property developers who have kindly let David, Andrew and the AirSpace team use the building for over a year. The building has a great sense of history, which is apparent upon entry, as you are greeted by one of its few remaining Bottle Ovens. Weeks of scrubbing six years worth of pigeon poo and voila! A nice clean gallery, studio spaces and a working toilet!After the Galleries opening party in July 06 with Martin Creed's band and various performing artists, it has grown into a busy artist led space, with 7 resident artists as well as David and Andrew and some more members of the crew. Here is who we currently have on board:David Bethell-DirectorAndrew Branscombe-DirectorPhil Rawle-Designer and Branding ManagerSara Austin-Marketing ManagerChris Simcox-Studio Manager and Studio ArtistTez Roberts-Studio Manager and Studio ArtistRory Strang-Website Designer and MaintainerKatie May Shipley-Research OrganiserRachel Dzibij-FundraiserIan Brown-ConsultantAnna Francis-WriterEmily Kydd-Writer and Studio ArtistMatt Roberts-AirVideo CuratorYu Chen Wang-AirVideo CuratorVikki Brown-Assistant Marketing Officer and Studio ArtistRichard Brammer- Writer and Studio ArtistBernard Charnley-Technician and Studio ArtistBrian Holdcroft-Technician and Studio ArtistAimee Blease-Bourne-Workshop LeaderThe Gallery has hosted many events including:OnAir events; where they present new and emerging musicians from the local area.AirVideo events; showing video work of local, national and international artists.Conjunctivitis: a night from the group raw'ral, a resident DJ company playing a soulful mix of alternative hip hop, jazzy drum and bass and funky house.And we held a NAN meeting in MarchAs well as their extensive exhibition calendar:Tide In/Tide Out; featuring seven selected artists from the Staffordshire University degree show.Factory Records; a short show by the MA students at Staffordshire University.Coordinates; A showcase selection from the ICAW Harlech Biennale 2005.AndIndefinable City; bringing together artists from local and international communities and dealing with issues of how art and culture affect the individual's perception of a place.In November 2006 the Gallery was awarded its first major funding from the ACE, they also have support from Stoke on Trent County Council, The Big Boost, Forth Estates, Titanic brewery and Air Conditioning Solutions. They also have a strong relationship with Staffordshire University. With the positive feedback and the goal of seeking a permanent space within the city David and Andrew are still striving to be the leading artist led Contemporary Gallery and Studios in Stoke on Trent, with their next show coming up in May 07. Featuring two new works by AndersonMacGee running from 25th May -16th June. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Shortcuts Review AirSpace Gallery2nd April – 7th April 2007By Anna FrancisWhat has been going on in the bowels of the airspace gallery? Shortcuts, the first AirSpace members’ show, seeks to answer this question, giving the viewer a unique insight into the varied investigations being undertaken in the studio space below the gallery. This is an unusual show in a number of ways, not least due to the quick turnaround, from conception stage (let’s have a show) to completion. It is rare that the viewing audience is allowed access to an artist’s work at any stage other than resolution, but Shortcuts opens the dialogue between viewer and artist at varying stages of the respective creative processes. The overriding idea that what is being presented here are selected parts of the studio artists’ continuing practices, when what we often expect to see when visiting an exhibition is the endpoint, by no means diminishes the impact of the work shown.On entry to the gallery the first thing I was confronted with was Bernard Charnley’s mammoth figurative painting. Charnley describes the works here as ‘interrogations into the iconic attributes of the human figure as sign’ this is wholly supported by the physicality of the 16ft No Standing and the only slightly smaller Parade. This nod towards semiology, provided by the short artist’s statement invites analysis; the human figure is obviously recognisable, but it is not me, the viewer, but something else, somewhere else. This is not a body, a person, but a figure, with no prescribed identity. These are sculptural paintings, putting one in mind of Giacometti’s elongated figures, there is something destitute about these works, like a Holocaust memorial – they are outside of my life’s primary experience, but are still recognisable for what they may represent.Katie Shipley’s Plato’s Wax is Forgetting demonstrates for the viewer the frustration and loss of identity associated with Alzheimer’s disease - tiny assemblages of photographic materials and personal trinkets embedded in wax, displayed with a looped sound piece. The irony of the doctor’s insistent, relentless questioning were not lost on me, having spent time in the company of sufferers of the disease. Questions form the daily reality for the sufferer, and their carer, as signifiers lose their meaning and faces of loved ones dissolve. The blank labels attached to each disintegrating piece signpost for the viewer the violent destruction of a life, punctuated by the tautological probing of the sound piece.In New Life Tez Roberts focuses on the cyclical structures of organic life. The suggestion here is that in all things there are possibilities. This is a positive take on the processes of life and inevitable death, suggesting that even in the deconstructive stages there is bound to be something worthy of attention. The piece consists of small containers of moulding matter, these in themselves may solicit disgust in the viewer, but the accompanying microscopic photographs reveal them to be subtly inviting landscapes. Perhaps this is the artist’s way of asking us to view our surroundings differently, in which the pay off may be that we are rewarded by finding beauty where we least expect it. I was expecting to find it in Yu-Chen Wang’s Reconstruction. East-Berlin is an area of frenzied activity, the fall of the Berlin wall has seen developers flood in, and reconstruction sites can be found all across the city. I was expecting Reconstruction to be a poetic account of this regeneration process, and perhaps a portrait of a city in renaissance, but it seemed more of a matter-of-fact document, showing the physical changes being administered to a city. The people moving through the film seem to show their adaptability, being able to negotiate the city, even as barriers spring up in their paths. It did not seem materially important that this was Berlin, it could have been any city anywhere.Brian Holdcroft’s Path delivered the viewer out of the city, to a barely formed landscape. The fragments making up Path give suggestions of a journey to be embarked upon, a series of broken clues which ultimately frustrate the viewers sense of place. It was with this piece that I was reminded that this show was not about end-points but rather possibilities for future enquiry. It will be interesting to see how Holdcroft’s investigations resolve themselves in future practice.In Play Christopher Simcox has embraced the speculatory feel of the show, allowing the abandoned factory’s personality to reveal itself. This is an attempt to connect with the architecture of the space and the objects/remnants which remain from the Gallery’s previous incarnation as Pottery factory. Simcox describes the opportunity to work intuitively with the space as a liberating chance to explore materials and their potential, without the sometimes suffocating weight of conceptual reasoning. The assemblage using light, built structures, treacle and unidentified hydraulic parts culminates in an unobtrusive intervention, working with what is given and suggesting alternative realities or improvements for the space.Andrew Branscombe is also working in sculptural assemblage, but this time with Analyser mk II the viewer’s participation is imperative to understand the function of the machine. Branscombe’s machine consists of a stone wheel attached to a handle, operated by the viewer, which when turned creates a sound picked up by a biscuit tin featuring a friendly dog, this primitive amplification device is then fed through to a computer, which displays the effect of the viewer’s intervention through sound. This complicated system results in little more than a blip on the computer’s monitor, leaving the viewer wondering why, and what exactly is the point. This, it seems, is exactly what was intended for Analyser mk II, which is a commentary on complex scientific equipment.If Branscombe’s sculpture can be seen as an exercise in futility then David Bethell’s Absence might be viewed as an answer to the riddle of disenfranchised activity. Absence is the swansong of the creative mind, trapped in a prison of pointless or unfulfilling employment. Anyone who has experienced the joyless treadmill that is working in a thankless job may recognise the devices employed here, to make what is intolerable, bearable. What is presented here is the desk of some unnamed proletariat; the wall is plastered with the protagonist’s inane doodlings, fashioned perhaps in the attempt to appear productive. The double-bind here is that the alternatives offered are just as fruitless. A replica of the same space is being beamed to the desks monitor, from a filmed model found in the desk drawer, where the sense of resigned inactivity is amplified to infinity. This sense of time standing still is echoed in All the time keep feeling the need to destroy, the video offering from Vikki Brown and Richard Brammer. The video presents us with a mundane world, inhabited by a couple from an unfathomable period. They are engaged in everyday activities around the home, taking tea, reading, building model aeroplanes but generally getting under each others feet, while thinly disguising their disdain for one another. The film had the feeling of a sketch, not yet finished - two-dimensional characters waiting to be fleshed out through purpose or dialogue. As a viewer it was difficult to care about or truly believe in either character, although the proposed notions for investigation are presen... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 ANDERSONMACGEE Two After a hard week of ivy, paint stripper, touring around the Staffordshire Moorlands and good food along with loads of hard work from Paul Macgee, Briony Anderson and the AirSpace Team we finally completed the new works by the artsists AndersonMacgee! Here's what it's all about: AirSpace Gallery, Stoke on Trent’s new contemporary Art Gallery celebrates it’s first anniversary with a project, the like of which has never been seen in the City before. The curtator/owners David Bethell and Andrew Branscombe set out to challenge our perceptions of what art can be, with a bold and forward looking programme of exhibitions, happenings and installations. As the gallery physically shifts location from just out side the city to 4 Broad Street, a building in the very heart of the Cultural Quarter, thus making itself more visible to the general public, the metaphor of the new positioning resonates more profoundly when seen in context with the next “exhibition” delivered by Briony Anderson and Paul Macgee (AndersonMacgee). This partnership is currently garnering significant national attention and this is their second collaborative work before beginning work for Aberdeen Art Gallery in the Autumn. ANDERSONMACGEE Two will comprise three new works created specifically for AirSpace - a site-specific permanent intervention, a performance and a publication. The work will be permanent interventions utilising both the gallery space and its surrounding context, the work seeks to raise questions on the nature of existence, specifically through the viewer’s understanding and questioning of the existence and permanence of the work. The first proposed work will be a site-specific intervention on an embankment opposing the original AirSpace Gallery on Stoke-on-Trent’s main ring-road. This “commemorative” arrangement of flora will be installed prior to the exhibition opening and will consist of evergreen Ivy (Hederas Helix) arranged to form the text ‘LIFE LONG’ or “LONG LIFE” (see image above). The second piece takes the form of a performance by the artists whereby the audience is invited to view the vestiges of the event which will alter perceptions of the space. This performance will take place in advance of the exhibition opening and will be documented. There will be no public participation in this performance. For the final part of the work AndersonMacgee will produce a book documenting the works made for the exhibition. AndersonMacgee with Dave Beech, Bernice Donszelman, Gavin Morrison and photography by Janet Wilson, with contributions from Jack Mottram and Monika Vykoukal. Permanence is the key here. Instead of an artifact or object being produced which can be owned, AndersonMacgee’s work is not something one can acquire. This is an engagement of the surroundings to raise questions about the big questions. All of their work has a definite domestic agenda; we’ve all dug the garden and we’ve all scraped paint off a wall. Are we renovating or excavating? Are we planning the future or revealing the past? If you like your art to challenge, inspire or confound this is the show for you. This is Stoke on Trent coming of age, and through its artists, boldly taking its place in the new century. www.andersonmacgee.co.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Axis Festival: Stoke on Trent made a big leap this weekend with their first ever major arts festival.They got all kinds of great musicians; Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, The Guillemots, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and organised some fun workshop days, with a Wish Tree, Labyrinth and Costume making! As the now leading contemporary arts centre we decided to get our audience involved too... It was a bit of a slow start seeing as we were advertised in the brochure for Friday instead of Saturday; but not to complain as actually the Graffiti artists chickened out and Dan Hopkins had to cancel his projection performance due to good, and therefore bad, lighting. This left resident artist Chris Simcox to down tools for his performance piece, but never fear we will be holding these events on our next show opening instead. We kept our fingers crossed for the 'After Party' planned to start after Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly. And true AirSpace Style, resident DJ Raskutarnus warmed us up as people began to arrive early. The donations bar was busy straight away and with the addition of interest in the projection showing in the spare room of 'The Making of Out of Space', Labyrinth Art's Zombie Film the atmosphere was building up nicely for the new found local talent of From The Captain. From The Captain are an upbeat rock band, they mix a hint of heavy metal with melodic vocals and bang it out for dancing fun. Then things hotted up with performances from Silhouette, a local Burlesque group revealing their talent for the AirSpace crowd. To finish DJ Raskutarnus wooed the dancers with his funky beats until we drank the bar dry. A brilliant night for all and we just had the cleaning up to do in the morning.www.myspace.com/fromthecaptainstokewww.myspace.com/silhouette_burlesque ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Number 4, Broad Street: We finally did it!They haven't quite signed the dotted line, but we're one step closer to moving to Broad Street.Number 4, Broad Street has been being talked about between Stoke's Creative Development Team and AirSpace since last year. A comprehensive feasibility study has been being drawn up care of New Media Partners, gathering interest from across the city.It was initially suggested that we would move in March '07 and with the electricity being cut off in our current building just before Christmas we were eager to get the negotiations on the way. On the 3rd May '07 planning permission was finally agreed.We have been patient and it will be worth the wait. Number 4, Broad Street is right in the middle of the Cultural Quarter, across the road from the Potteries Museum and much closer to the centre of town. It has heating, hot water and more importantly electricity! We will have more space for artists and a real office for the MD's so we can improve on the family atmosphere we have been striving for.The gallery will be much more accessible for visitors and there is even room for a caf' and smaller gallery space for hiring out!AirSpace are extremely grateful to get permission to move to their new home, and we would like to thank the S-O-T's Cultural Development Team in-particular for all there hard work and perseveranceSo get excited everyone, we're on the move. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Out of Space For the last few weeks the derelect AirSpace building has been swarming with the un-dead, we have been hosts for the filming of Out of Space a Zombie film with a difference. Here's what it's all about: She takes her last drag of her cigarette… and sips her wine. The clay was cold under her fingers. The darkness encroached. Silent light echoed through the old abandoned pot bank. She sleeps. The living did not foresee the next 23 hours. No one listened… The landfills spilled over, The rubbish mounted up The mines were filled And the pollution thickened CONTAMINATION….. Mankind shall pay OUTOFSPACE is an artistic approach to an important issue. This zombie horror film with a difference explores an original, down to earth and ‘realistic’ reaction to an environmental disaster. The films strong environmental message is not about pointing the finger or answering questions. Rather we are using film as an attempt to encourage a discourse, creating a dialogue which forces people from all different backgrounds and ages to ask questions about our attitude to the world, to think outside the box and to take personal responsibility for their consumerist footprint. Therefore empowering individuals to create positive environmental change within their society, as well as raising people’s awareness of the potential impacts we are having on the earth. The film will be edited as a lost transmission and will explore the complex network of relationships between the media and individuals. We have recently received funding from the local council for the production of the film. To our surprise the film is escalating in popularity and we have gained local and national recognition from a range of professional bodies. These included our guest director, international award winning film maker Chris Stone and international illustrator and artist Shane Oakley, who is currently working with Labyrinth Arts to create a graphic novel based on the screen play of OUTOFSPACE. Labyrinth Arts Labyrinth Arts is a collective of professional artists who are based within the Stoke-on-Trent area. We facilitate a number of creative opportunities and experiences within the local and national community, for the purposes of personal, cultural, environmental, economic and social improvements. Each member of the not-for-profit group brings different skills to the projects with the aim to share their knowledge and empower other people from the group and within the community to explore, create, celebrate and ‘have a go’ for themselves. For this project our core artists and professional skills/capabilities include: Members Aimee Blease-Bourne: Writer, actor, researcher, environmentalist, musical composer and camera person Pete Brown: Audio-visual technician, lighting designer, set constructer and stunt man Michael Cartwright: Visual artist, musical sound director, director, stuntman, editor and camera person Neil Coburn: Actor, musical composer, set designer and constructer, musical and sound designer and stuntman Andrea Cope: Musician, chemist, researcher, Prince2 Project Practitioner and environmental officer Katrina Durber: Make-up and Special FX artist and seamstress. Caroline McCarthy: Musician, psychologist, actress, writer and researcher Tez Roberts: Visual artist and designer, photographer, actor, Director, special FX artist and costume designer Sarah Rowlands: Director, writer, choreographer, actor, stunt co-ordinator and camera person OUTOFSPACE The film is based in Stoke-on-Trent in the West Midlands. As a city whose industry has been so influenced by the special and unique character of the landscape- we think it is time for us as residents to give something back to the Earth and say thanks, because without the clay, coal and iron the Potteries, would not be what it is today. As these industries are fading, we are increasingly becoming a consumerist, plastic and throw-away society, but we need to take personal responsibility for our waste and reduce the footprint that we leave behind on the Earth. Through various community workshops we are also providing local people with the opportunity to get their point of view across in a creative and non-aggressive way and therefore encouraging artists and participants to learn and share skills. www.outofspacethemovie.co.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 So we had our first opening at Number 4! AndersonMacgee's Two, revealed the beauty beneath the white walls of our new gallery by stripping back the paint and carpet, showing us the ornate tiles and bare materials used to construct the room. This process alters our perceptions of the white walled gallery space, provoking thoughts of history and permanence and leaving us eager to view the second piece; a permanent intervention along side the ring road in Hanley City Centre. The opening of the show also saw the launch of AndersonMacgee's new publication, produced along side the Two show; visitors were seen delving into this throughout the opening. For the evenings entertainment DJ Beetroot provided us with some funky back ground music while the visitors took in the new work, which was later accompanied by a debut performance from Chromatone; where performance artists responded to a projected video. Hurricane Landcrash reacted with his guitar and computer as artists Chris Simcox, David Clamp and Laura Fletcher responded with drawing, while the audience relished the ability to watch the process. Attendance was good, the cosy bar area at the back of the room was full of interest as people poured over maps of the city and passed exhibitions press releases and everyone enjoyed the chance to have a sneaky peak at the new building. A positive beginning to our new abode and we're really excited to see what is going to happen in the new space. The Two publication is available to buy from the gallery. airspaceinfo@btinternet.com... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Art Gallery tries a hand at Animal Rescue!It's a tale of high drama, of battling against the elements, of passionate endeavour, loss and finally an unlikely happily ever after, plus possibly the cutest picture of ducks you'll ever see in your life. Yes duck, ducks! When Andrew Branscombe and David Bethell the curators of AirSpace, Stoke on Trent's new contemporary art gallery, received the news that they could finally take official occupancy of no.4 Broad Street, Hanley, they were unprepared for the heart rending experience that was about to unfold.  Preoccupied as they were with the negotiations of Dizzy Heights, AirSpace's next exhibition, it was only by pure chance that they noticed a small mother duck who had set up her nursery in a disused out-house behind the new gallery. Although the past year of running the gallery in a disused factory at the edge of town had taught Andrew and David how to cope with the most taxing and bizarre of situations, still they were astonished to suddenly find themselves in the role of carers to a mother to be.   There were concerns of what would happen to the chicks once they were born as the nearest water was over half a mile away and across many busy roads. But more intense concerns were raised when despite vigilant observation it was discovered one morning that mummy duck had vanished. Was she attacked by an urban fox which had been seen in the vicinity or perhaps a city cat or stray dog? Whatever it was, she had fled leaving her unborn chicks to their fate. Operation ‘Rescue' started as David and Andrew hatched a plan. The remaining nine eggs were collected into Andrew's jumper and nestled into a cardboard box in front of a heater in the Gallery Space. The eggs were then carefully relocated to an incubator at Andrew's house and three days later immersed in the organisation of gallery events David received a text message from Andrew: ‘Might be a bit late today Dude, 9 eggs went in a 9 ducklings came out.' And sure enough 9 beautiful ducklings were hatched and squeaking for attention.But now what? How were they to look after the new arrivals? They had no pond!Several phone calls later and we are delighted to report that a new foster home has been found for the little uns at a bird sanctuary near Uttoxeter. All are doing well and will be released in to the wild later in the year. A happy fairy tale ending for the Stoke on Trent ducks. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Dizzy Heights Preview Friday July 20th 7pm-9pm   (Private View, invitation only)Exhibition Saturday 21st July -Saturday 18th August (Open to the general public)Gallery open Tues - Sat 11-5pmAirSpace, Stoke on Trent's new contemporary art galley, will celebrate its grand opening at its new location, No. 4 Broad Street, Hanley on Friday 20th July. For the occasion we are delighted to announce that internationally renowned artist Paul Rooney will preside over the opening ceremony which will be during a private view of the new show Dizzy Heights. Dizzy HeightsPrepare yourself to be taken into a different world, a weird and strange place where dream like forms become reality and imaginations can wander unfettered by the everyday.Dizzy Heights, the next show at Airspace Gallery has brought together two exciting new artists Pete Smith and Matt Robinson, who have created bizarre and wonderful installations whose irresistible allure will challenge your perceptions of reality.There is something from our childhood memories that resonates in Matt Robinson's work. The bright cartoon like colours and shapes put us at our ease, however on closer inspection we realise that "here be monsters".  Sick Cloud is a giant 3D work made from a combination of randomly collected objects and polyurethane mouldings, which muses on what an ethereal ever changing thing like a cloud would puke up if it could. Matt made the work in a process of what he calls "doodling", the bringing together of "stuff", some which is recycled, in the spirit of play. In this tide of "virtual" vomit we can pick out a seemingly never ending variety of visually entertaining mini-installations, which explode from the stream. In a colourful semi-abstract way these smaller works, some with intricately composed narratives, others which offer witty re-workings of recognisable images and icons, make up a ginormous whole articulating its own unique visual language. The sheer volume and gusto with which Matt explores the notions of constant evolution and the setting off of themes of utopian visions against references of horror, decay and disgust, leaves us with feeling that a frenzied battle is taking place. The allure and beauty of the colours and fabric of the work draws us in, but once engaged the realisation of the awfulness of the object repels us, leaving a bitter sweet memory of the experience. Wailing Wall by Pete Smith is, as it suggests, a giant wall, but unlike other walls the function of this construct is to involve us to play.  Like Sick Cloud, the wall is made from a random collection of unlikely objects, however this wall give forth utterances. Gently, familiar voices whisper familiar phrases, drawing us in, inviting us to explore and engage. Breaking the usual gallery convention of "please do not touch", we are invited not only to add to the work but to go one further and physically immerse ourselves in the work itself, investigating its interior and ultimately leaving our mark. From Stoke on Trent, Pete Smith is well known for his unusual constructs having had installations in Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham as well as locally. Interested in the human condition he creates mechanical surrogates that mimic the mundane patterns we follow in our everyday routines, from the ritual workspace to our most intimate private moments. The impressive scale and size of Wailing Wall allows us to step out of our normality for a while, and through its multi faceted nature invite us to consider other possibilities. Both these works playfully ask questions about what is normal and real. Echos of Dali resonate in both, highlighting urgent present day questions of environment, politics and aesthetics. These works raise issues of modern day media, image and time and the way these things effect and play upon our very humanity, suggesting an unnerving fragility of our perceptions of the norm.   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Head TalkTwo of AirSpace's studio artists, Bernard and Brian, have been working together to create Head Talks, an opportunity for the AirSpace team to get together and talk about relevant subjects in contemporary art.On Sunday the 15th July the first Head Talks took place, we planned a walk and a picnic and the rain didn't deter us. A group of 11 people donned their waterproofs and we took a short walk around Consall Nature Park before picnicking in the cars, then gathering together in the Staffordshire Arms pub for a pint. Here we began the talk; as a group of people used to casual meetings and talking about their art work it was interesting to see the members engaged in a different kind of conversation. The topic of discussion was that of the artist and branding, which is relevant to most of the AirSpace members, within this topic we also discussed definitions of the word branding; branding as a particular style recognised in an artist's work; branding as a form of marketing. The conversation turned to a discussion of our own experiences and situations including worries about compromising our artistic integrity in order to make money.Also present were Matt Robinson and Pete Smith the artists currently installing the Dizzy Heights exhibition at the AirSpace Gallery. They were invited to talk about their practice and to join in the discussion.The first Head Talks was a brilliant day, some beautiful scenery and fresh air to inspire the mind before a pint and some good conversation; I can't wait for the next one! ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 AirVideo  31st August Preview (invite only) 7pm -9pm31st August - 7th September open to public  ‘Alternative Possible Worlds' involves 17 international video artists who have gained recognition as emerging talents. The work has been selected based around concerns about a rapidly changing world; from the effects of a shifting global economy, the destruction or suppression of indigenous cultures, mass building programmes and  urban sprawl to dreams of possible futures informed by a mixture of 1950s science fiction and advancements in cloning and genetic manipulation.The artists' Alternative Possible Worlds trace a fine line between the illusion of progress and potential catastrophe.Artists include Nick Goulis, Andro Semeiko, Toine Klaassen, Brignell and Raimes, Stephen Bishop, Noémi McComber, Zhenchen Liu, Ella Kajsa Nordstrom, Monica Rodriguez Medina, Michael Salmond, Gaia Persigo, Akiko and Masako Takada, Marcin Gajewski, Joseph Hallam, Ben Young, Alexandra Crouwers and Michelle Letelier.AirVideo is a series of film and video events co-curated by Matt Roberts and Yu-Chen Wang of BasementArtProject.com. For more information www.basementartproject.com/airvideo ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Window Projects The window of Number 4 Broad Street has become a taster for artists to show their work to the passers by of Hanley City Centre.Past work includes the fading memories of Katie Shipley's ‘A Place to Forget (5)', 35mm slides encased in wax that melted through the sunny days of April and revealed the forgotten memories within. And Anna Francis' iconic image of the partly torn down ‘Terrace', which pays homage to the buildings that hold history for many people in Stoke on Trent, but are being sacrificed for the regeneration of the area. Both pieces have been recycled from past exhibitions at AirSpace's old home at the Falcon Works, Old Town Road. Creating a gradual move from one space to another and allowing interested parties to see the quality of what may lie behind the doors of the new Gallery. The current work on show in the window is Matt Robinson's bright yellow vinyl design, catching the eye of all passers by. This is an extension of the Dizzy Heights show that just finished at the gallery. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Chris Simcox-airspace studio artist  Some things that Chris has been up to... Architecture week "A Fuller Space" This was an event that intended to demonstrate the need within town centres for use of space to be explored in different ways, whether it be shelters or some kind of seating area. To capture people's imagination about public space and the surrounding architecture and to open up other possiblities or ways of seeing the surrounding urban landscape. The project started by putting together Architects, engineers, Artists with a local youth group and to come up with ideas through the use of workshops and events to inspire the young group to come up with their own ideas and to actively engage with the project. After some plane sailing, and the scenario of getting to know who you are working with! We arranged a time table and a brief to work from, the first day we came together as a group to come up with some funny, fantastical and sometimes crazy ideas. As the weeks went by we all came up with the idea of a "chill out" space, based upon the shape of a football.. So it was the professional's turn to make the idea a reality, realizing we should make the architect on our team work and show his skills of design. The next stage was to construct the shape using a 'geo-dome' which is made up of pentagons, and hexagons. Some serious late nights followed using in the 'airspace' studios to build it. Using the dome we collaborated with the youth group to come up with some panels to attach upon the surface, different materials such as steel, grass, and clay to add an interactive element to the project. On the day we were unfortunate to have the worst summer's day you can imagine, but the work was brilliantly successful and the youth group certainly made it their own. Harlech Bienale  "Uncommon Ground" Five day residency involving artists from all over the world including Argentina, Spain, Israel and even England. The project was to have studio based artists who normally work and live in vibrant cities (Stoke-on-Trent)?? To come to Harlech which is an incredibly beautiful landscape of tree's, Mountains, Sand and sea to produce work and to place it in and around the landscape. My own perpective on this was to use and pick out the vast natural colour of Harlech and the surrounding landscape. I began by gathering scrap wood from which i could cut out circular shapes, and paint them with the intension of capturing colour and light to expose the natural beauty of the landscape. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Recollection Private View: A paper polar bear is engulfed in a hurricane of polystyrene balls and is imprisoned in glass. This is the first scene you encounter at the Recollection exhibition at the AirSpace Gallery. It is as you are passing by this window display, that inquisitiveness leads you on into the gallery itself where you are confronted by Tallulah Miers' projection of said polar bear onto a hanging of paper. The balls sweep in to gradually cover the bear, a tragic reminder of the melting polar ice caps, whilst maintaining an air of meditation with the repetitive imagery and rhythmic sounds of the ocean. Scattered and disguised throughout the exhibition are Stuart Porter's lead sculptures; ghostly souvenirs of a time passed. A clock without hands or cuckoo hangs on the wall, whilst a record sits on the player without a needle. A pencil sits within the wall, illuminated but out of reach like a fading memory. The sculptures appear to be soft yet like the nature of the material they are made from, they are heavy with the memories they hold.These small domestic items are dominated by Ben Chetter's looming clothes closet, from which emanates the sound of a distant disco and sure enough, hidden behind is the revealing of what is in the closet. Chetter's face is twice disguised, once with the mask of a stag and the other by contrast a dancing glitter painted face; demonstrating his struggle with peoples perceptions of masculinity and sexuality. The work continues to bombard us with camp, homosexual imagery versus masculine connotations made ugly. A clear message.A whole 20ft of meditative drawing winds its way up and down one of the AirSpace walls. Unlike a maze there is no path just line after line of narrative that leads the viewer by staccato lengths into the compulsive mind of the artist. Or maybe just back to where you started. Andy Reynolds' drawing comments on the instinctive, like an unconscious doodle spilling and out of control.At the back of the gallery is a darkened room, lit by a star speckled chicken coop. It seems that there is something about to burst from within the coop, a moment of enlightenment waiting to be released but imprisoned by lengths of pine wood and walls of agricultural plastic. These mundane objects hold onto this moment, perhaps to be released at another time.ReCollection's private view was a great night with the gallery reaching full capacity requiring a one out one in policy on the door. Alongside the opening of the new show AirSpace joined Future Shorts in Creationism, a night of music, video, photography and performance art at the Underground in Hanley. Miers brought her work into the club with a performance piece, seeing her slowly pull undone a knitted blanket was almost as frustrating as the polar bear's fate was tragic with the delicate wool that had been time consumingly put together spiralling onto the floor. Performances by local bands Coda, Cats in the Alley and Rachel Rimmer were powerful and fun with the smooth flow interspersed by the video work, allowing each art form the full attention it deserved.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Bernard Charnley-AirSpace Studio Artist Bernard Charnley has been a studio artist at AirSpace since the very beginning. To find out about Bernard's work please see his website  www.bernardcharnley.co.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 recalling the future. Reviewed by Gemma Thacker on Work Experience AirSpace. Art that shows important matters. Through the art you see the lives and the sole of the artist. Each artist coming up with something meaningful to them and showing us, through art, ways to understand the world and giving us a new light with which to look on things all around us. Talulah Miers’s Template appears to be about our earth, it is saying, our once proud world is melting into nothing, animals are dying because of our cruel ways towards nature and each other. Blackened hearts taking life itself. Soon there will be nothing left but death and blood stains on our once proud Earth. Paul Fulton the Chicken Coop. The main body is simple enough but has a deeper meaning. To see past the body and to the inside of it. The lights, like your eyes, are a window into your soul. Stuart Porter’s Lead Work. In a time forgot lies important memories and secret items saved for the future. The use of lead gives it an age but keeps it the same. Andrew Reynolds’s Syanaptic Voyage. Unstoppable movement. A soul like no other. In a simple form, a journey is started from nowhere and its destination unknown to its self-moving with the river of life until the end of time. Ben Chetter’s Starman is a symbol, a hidden question, a highlight of ones hidden self. The truth of sexuality can this be a way to express it? Recollection, remembering the past. But to me looking to the future. In both ways you see the art. Past and the future in one. As one door closes another two open. The past has important meaning and the future is what we make it. In the hearts and minds of all the living, hopes for the future and special moments to cherish forever like a baby being born, to its first days in high school and the rest of its life. Linked by invisible threads tying all of use together binding us to the past and unknown future.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Brian Holdcroft - studio artistWhen I walk the landscape I find myself thinking about the way that we engage with the environment. The dialogue is one that I feel cannot be detached from the history of the land to which we are so firmly rooted and the human condition. Fleeting moments of heightened experience raise further questions about the shape of our surroundings and our relationship with it. In his book “Landscape and Memory” Simon Schama suggests….. “Before it is a repose for the senses landscape is the work of the mind”.The momentary and the more monumental shifts that occur both external and internal to our existence creates fluid reference points.This constant state of becoming is central to my work as an art maker. My approach is to work with a variety of mediums including Super 8 film, photography, 2D and site specific in order to open up imaginative spaces of engagement.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Tomorrows Arts Masterpieces For Sale in Stoke AirSpace AirTrade Fine Art Auction  University Pavilion, Stoke RoadFriday 14th December 7pm Auctioneer: Mike WolfeAirTrade Exhibition, AirSpace gallery 11th 7pm - 9pm Viewing on the 12th and 13th  11am - 5pmDear Friends and colleaguesThis is an invitation to come to AirTrade, AirSpaceâ€TMs auction.AirSpace is having an auction to raise funds to extend its repertoire of exhibitions. Over 70 artists have pledge work and it is your opportunity to invest in both local and national pieces of work whilst supporting what is proving to be Stoke on Trent most vibrant visual arts asset.All Artworks are available to view and bid for on the airspace website at www.airspacegallery.org/airtrade, as well as at the AirSpace gallery from the 11th â€" 13th December.Silent bids will also be taken on 01782 261221 on the 12th December from 11am and 5pm. On the 14th December the auction opens at 7pm at the Pavilion (Staffordshire University) and the auction starts at 8pm with guest auctioneer Mike Wolfe. All the artworks will be available for viewing on the night.Entertainment and refreshing will also be provided.To RSVP your place at the auction please or telephone AirSpaceThank you for your support, and would like to especially like to thank all the artists who donated work for AirTrade. Now that the Artists have done their bit, in pledging their work for the cause, it is now your chance to invest in the future Art scene of Stoke-on-Trent, at the same time as getting your hands on a unique and beautiful work of art!Whether you are looking for that special christmas gift for a loved one, or just looking to fill that art spaced gap on your living room wall, there is sure to be something for you amongst the amazing array of works for sale in AirTrade. Internationally renowned artist Paul Rooney is offering for original signed copies of his vinyl piece 'Lucy Over Lancashire'�. Perhaps you are searching for a gift for a green-fingered friend - the Powell and Weston Bronze wall relief, based on the Neo-Assyrian Stone panel, (from around 645 BC - housed in the British Museum) is a truely unique gifting idea, and would grace the wall of any proud gardener. AirTrade can also reveal that Adam James has 4 prints on offer. Now don't go spreading this around, but we at AirTrade believe that James is one to watch! This could be the opportunity to get your hands on a masterpiece of the future! Other featured major artists and works include; Common Culture, Matt Robinson, Rachel Marsden... and limited edition prints from AirSpace.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Parallax ViewNovember at the AirSpace Gallery saw the coming together of two artist led spaces. Following a research trip to Moot in Nottingham Dave and Andy invited Tom Godfrey from Moot to co-curate a show at the AirSpace Gallery.AirSpace designed the research trip scheme in order to create just this kind of opportunity; we believe that networking between artist led spaces is really important and were really excited when Tom took us up on the offer. Networking between Stoke on Trent and Nottingham, a city with a well established art scene, could help increase positive awareness of our city.The exhibition consisted of the work of nine artists, interwoven with a series of found objects, including tapes from scrap yards available to play, and some risqué found images from the internet.The artwork though eclectic in appearance was held together by the underlying theme of ‘looking'. Though each artist followed their own agenda a walk around the gallery caused a flow of dizzying perceptions: playing cards whose faces change as you walk past, mirrors placed on the floor and a DVD of a hand animated image, flickering with light.The exhibition has proven another success for the Gallery with consistently high visitor numbers; with this being the last of our ACE funded exhibitions we look forward to AirTrade, where we might generate enough funds to continue the exhibition calendar a little further.www.mootgallery.org... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Keeping Up Appearences  The window project at 4, Broad Street continues to give Stoke on Trent a glimpse into what is happening within the gallery walls. Phil Rawle, AirSpace's Graphic Designer installed a proposal for his window piece for a few days before the Parallax View; a line drawing with blue tape showing how the work will look upon realisation, the first of a two part piece. An intriguing cross of white tape on the pavement outside the gallery marked the optimum position for viewing the work, although you were required to be a little taller than 5'4" to appreciate it fully.For the Parallax View passers by were confronted with a more minimal window piece, a white weather balloon pressed between the windows and the beginning of a line of umbrellas that encouraged you to enter the show, where the line of umbrellas continued into an installation by Mozal and Joaquim.The latest and current piece is the work of AirSpace studio artist Brian Holdcroft, a small series of clay and straw blocks linked with a line of bright blue ribbon. The eye catching colour and striking work will hopefully continue to generate interest in the gallery.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 AirSpace with Urban Vision Art and Architect Club27th November 2007 at Burslem School of ArtDave and Andy were invited to give a presentation as part of the Art and Architecture Club talks, hosted by Urban Vision.Wanting to steer away from the usual power point presentation they delivered a presentation with a difference; involving scripts, props, guest speakers and aptly timed photographs. Alongside the presentation two artists were given the task of producing a piece of artwork and on another screen was a live projection of the work being created. The artists were Rob Pointon, a local artist currently exhibiting at the Burslem School of Art and Brian Holdcroft and AirSpace Studio artist, whose work will remain in the School of Art for a further two weeks.The presentation went well and a successful question time followed. Networking events like this are really important to spread the word about the Gallery and it is really important to us to be able to give AirSpace Studio artists opportunities to show their work.http://www.schoolofart.co.uk/http://www.uvns.org/... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 AirTrade  With more than 70 great pieces of art work, lots of preparation and one night of fun: the AirSpace auction was a success. The auction raising over £5000! 25% of which will go to the artists that donated their work. The money raised will go towards running the gallery for the following months, allowing us to hold further exhibitions and keep the AirSpace name alive in Stoke on Trent.  Mike Wolfe delivered a great performance as auctioneer, persuading most of the audience to trade generous amounts of cash for original artworks. AirSpace’s first contemporary auction allowed local art collectors to get there hands on great artwork at a price they could afford. The Pavillion at Staffordshire University was full of people eager to take advantage of the opportunity.  Most of the artwork at the auction sold; local artist Rachel Grant raised a brilliant sum of money for the gallery, her artwork ‘untitled’ sold for £270. Adam James a past exhibitor at the gallery sold three pieces ’70 Famous Psychiatrists’ ‘Entrance’ and ‘Earthbound’ totalling £445. Other works, such as Martina Mullany and Common Culture were snapped up at the end, having not reached their reserve prices during the auction. There are still some artworks for sale on the AirSpace website www.airspacegallery.org.  Thank you to everyone involved!The support of the artists, the organisers and the buyers has helped to keep AirSpace running, it is great to know that the passion to keep AirSpace here is still strong and we endeavour to return the favour by continuing to provide Stoke on Trent with exciting and new exhibitions.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Phil RawleGraphic Designer'Proposal for an empty window' was my response to being asked to produce some work to go in the AirSpace window between exhibitions in October 2007. The initial concept was to install a tree to fill the window and challenge passers by with its presence. Issues around timescale and physical installation modified the concept to be come a log. This naturally split into 2 phases, firstly the 'proposal' which was a drawing of the inside of the window and proposed log in blue masking tape applied to the inside of the glass. The inside of the window married up with the drawing from one specific viewpoint. Moving past the window created a series of changing perspective relationships between the drawing and the interior. The second phase was the 'installation' on 18th December 2007. Again a drawing of the interior of the window space was drawn, this time in black but on the actual elements being drawn. A drawing of itself. The log was then installed in situ. Due to limited access into the window space and the size of the log, the log had to be placed from top left to bottom right rather than as it had been originally proposed. The piece will be dismantled at the end of January 2008.'Phil Rawle... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 AirSpace are looking for artist to submit works of all formats for this years Axis Festival.Following the success of last year's festival, the Axis team are looking to widen its programme of events by including a range of Contemporary Art displays within the City. It is offering artists a chance to exhibit during the festival throughout a variety of venues from 18th April - 4th May.  We are requesting artists to produce works of art that are focused around the broad theme of place, movement and sound.To find out more information please see the  Artists Brief  and an application form attached with this email.ALL PROPOSALS SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:1.    A statement about the work and how it investigates the theme. (max. 500 Words) 2.    Two images of the work - or mock-up images of the proposed work. (JPEGs) 3.    Detailed costing for the production of the work.  4.    Two examples of previous work that best suits your practice (JPEGs) 5.    Application form 6.    Description of your work for press releases and PR material (max 60 words). Please send proposal to the AirSpace Gallery either by post or email, the address at the bottom of the page or our email is airspaceinfo@btinternet.com. Please state in the subject box 'Axis Proposal'. Images can be sent by email (each image no bigger than 1 mb) or on a clearly labelled CD, with artists name and list of works.  Although artists are not expected to visit the site but it is advised that they do so. Proposals to be submitted by Friday the 22nd of February. Successful applicants will be notified within 2 weeks of the submission deadline.Budgets are limited, but they are available to help with cost of proposals. www.axisfestival.co.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Play: 7th March - 15th April The exhibition will run between the 7th March and 15th of April, it will also break with the usual format of exhibitions with the show and the works in it being split into three smaller exhibitions, making for a vibrant and changing environment for the viewer. Play: scene 1 Friday 7th MarchPlay: scene 2  Friday 21st MarchPlay: scene 3  Friday 4th April Artists Include: David Bethell, Karen Boulton, Andrew Branscombe, Bernard Charnley, Anna Francis, Brain Holdcroft, Samantha Knight,Chris Parks, Katie Shipley.  This exhibition brings together artists who have become associated with the AirSpace gallery. It includes work from studio artists and other artist who have been involved with the project since it’s inception.The works included in the show come from a diverse range of artists practices, and is the second members show, following on from the success of 2007s ‘Shortcuts’  exhibition.The show itself has been curated by the gallery and Sam Knight, an exhibiting artist who is currently in the final year of her degree at Staffordshire University. Sam has been working on the ‘Play’ exhibition with AirSpace for a chance to experience working in a gallery environment and in the role of a curator.The ideas behind the theme of the exhibition have allowed for the artists to take, what otherwise be a common place word and activity, and put their own unique slant on the subject. ‘Play’ today is such a commonplace activity, when thinking of the amount of leisure pursuits that take place, that it has in many ways lost the magic that it might once have held, especially as a child. Chris Parks’ work looks at a more adult and sexual idea of the word play, choosing to use sex toys as an element of the work. Brian Holdcroft takes an approach of playing with the medium he is using. The work makes use of Super8 film and through playing with the pace of the film creates a disorientating environment for the viewer. David Bethell takes a whimsical look at the idea of childhood play activities through animation and a childlike ‘Den’ Installation. Katie Shipley has looked at another aspect of theme, choosing to create an interactive piece in the form of a giant Newton’s Cradle, the ubiquitous executive desk accessory reproduced on a massive scale.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 AirSpace have started workshops!  We have now completed two workshop sessions:  A Series of Unlikely Events:with Creative Partnerships at Grove Junior School, Northwood, Stoke on Trent.  We had a great time teaching year 5 at Grove junior school about animations. They learnt about flick books, animation techniques and we held an awards ceremony at the end with presentation of photographs to the school.  RT8 Arts and Consultation:At Kings Hall, Stoke.  Along similar lines we gave young people a chance to try out their plasticene model making techniques and shoot an animation.  The RT8 animation is available to see online check out www.airspacegallery.org and follow the ‘services’ link.  The Grove Junior School workshop was covered by The Sentinel, the local newspaper and hopefully the animation will be available on their website for viewing.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 AirSpace and the Axis Festival:  This Year the AirSpace Team will be blessing you with eight exciting events from the 18th of April to the 4th May.  This includes some Stoke on Trent’s most exciting venues that have been flying the flag for both the city and their own genres, the Axis Festival are pleased to be working in partnership with the Sugarmill, Victoria Hall, Dazed and  Fat Cats, AirSpace are also using unconventional spaces to showcase Contemporary Art and Music such as Infinities and various locations within the City Centre.  AirSpace will also be hosting an exhibition and window display that will showcase some of new and freshest artists working on a national level. The Launch for the visual arts event will be on the 18th April at 7pm at AirSpace Gallery. With the exhibition There and Then the exhibition looks at artwork that examines nostalgia of music and festivals, the memory of life and light and the how these can be brought into the future. The exhibition also questions how the future visions can affect our memory or show how important our memories our. The exhibition features, automatic robots by Alex Pearl, futuristic vision our Matthew Hahn and Matthew Robinson and artefacts of the past by Liz Wroe and Stuart Porter and the light and time of David Knowles.  Is there an overload of information to the contrast of simply imagery. The gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 5pm. Check out the axis festival website for details of more events www.axisfestival.co.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 With a bombardment of art exhibitions, public art interventions and music and video events across the city Axis and AirSpace have given Stoke on Trent a glimpse of how fun and inspiring art in the city can be.     Matt Robinson’t ‘Ultra Seimans’ may upon first sight appear to be a random collage of landscapes, limbs and religious icons, and upon reflection it is just that. A representation of a city where green land blends with cityscape, different cultures and people meet and mix: dance and rock music exist side by side as well as the old and new. Stoke on Trent is just this kind of city and it should be recognised and celebrated that we can all exist alongside each other; a growing city that looks forward to the future. Alongside these snippets of the future we are offered a glance at the past, with Liz Wroe and Stuart Porter’s ‘Super Tramps1975-1986.’ A jacket is hung up and put to rest. We are further distanced from the memory by only being shown a photograph, as if this is a recollection of a story rather that an event. The jacket image is repeated on fly posters hidden within the shops in Hanley, taking the artwork out of the gallery. People can be seen to be excitedly pointing out gig tickets to bands they have heard of, others choose to peel the posters, either a protest or an attempt to gain a souvenir, and then there are those that simply walk by, not having noticed the work at all.     There are other works hidden in the city; postcards that highlight the importance of everyday scenes and wrapped lamp posts that rekindle an appreciation for the practical aspects of city life. Rebecca Huxley encourages us to look high with her bright and bold geometric images scattered over windows in the city. After dark David Bethell and Andrew Branscombe brought Infinities to life with ‘Tetris’; a bold projection commenting on the reconstruction of the city around them. And Manchester based Spearfish, gave the city a demonstration in Graffiti art, I like to think as an invitation for Stoke based Graffiti artists to show them how it’s done.     The visual arts programme for the Axis Festival runs further with AirVideo at the Victoria Hall, Hanley. Another retail venue was overtaken by creativity when Dazed hosted a day of live music and performance art. While visitors to Fat Cats were treated to live music and video art.   The magnitude of this event is impossible to reduce to one review, but that these events are taking place in Stoke on Trent gives you a sense that the city is really growing. Art is becoming part of people’s lives here and we hope that this can continue and grow. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 PRIMARY PUPILS ENTER THE ART WORLD   Nottingham-based installation artist Chris Lewis-Jones feels that he has struck artistic gold working with 52 Year 2 pupils at Forest Park Primary School in Cobridge. Using contemporary art to enhance learning across the curriculum has been ‘outstandingly successful’ – so much so that examples of the children’s work are to be exhibited at Airspace Gallery, in Broad Street (Stoke on Trent) in May. Chris, who has worked and exhibited across the UK and beyond explained:   ‘This is without doubt one of the most enjoyable commissions I’ve undertaken. As their work shows, the children at Forest Park have been creatively incandescent!’   The project has been funded by Creative Partnerships. Creative Agent Wayne Thexton said:    ‘Working with Chris has presented teachers and pupils with many new ideas. Their responses have been fantastic. Pupils aged 6 and 7 have been using the kinds of professional artistic language that many adults would struggle to keep up with. This speaks highly of what is possible with the right kind of challenge’.                                                                                                                                                      David Bethell, founder member of AirSpace Gallery added, ‘It has been really great to bring these kids into the gallery, their work highlights and develops the outreach aspect to our venue’. Forest Park’s Deputy Head Pat Macbeth added, ‘Working with Chris has brought a whole new dimension to the children’s experience and perception of art and artists. The children have found this project to be inspirational in terms of both language and art.’   The exhibition, ‘A Series of Unlikely Urban Texts’, previews on May 8th (7:00-8:30pm) and runs from May 9th-13th.   for further information contact Chris Lewis-Jones/ Oldknows Studio Group lewjones21@hotmail.com Tel: 0115 9785671 / Mob: 07877 989213 ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 As summer approaches and Fine Art students are due to graduate the AirSpace team have been visiting Universities to give talks and offer advice. Dave and Andy have been to Staffordshire University and Loughborough University visiting their final year students.   ‘It’s a great way for us to keep up to date with what graduating students are producing and to know what we can offer them, as well as keeping an eye out for up and coming students that we may wish to exhibit at the gallery. It is also a great way to promote AirSpace and to let people know that art is here in Stoke on Trent.’ -Andy   We want people to know that we are here to offer advice; people can feel free to come along to AirSpace and talk to us. Just e-mail us to let us know you’re coming!   airspaceinfo@btinternet.com ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Dialogue Box is a series of exhibitions to be shown in the window space at the AirSpace Gallery. The series is in response to the importance of the gallery window space; we see this as our access to the community, through the window we can reach those people who would not normally seek out an art gallery as well as reminding those that do that we are here. The work that is produced will create dialogue between people; dialogue about the artwork, the gallery and perhaps its place in our ever changing city.   Exhibiting artists include:   George Benson, Birmingham 2nd – 9th June 2008 Benson’s current work concentrates on creating abstract images made solely of colour, form and texture from everyday and found objects. These are currently things that he has collected throughout his life. Recomposing them and looking at them from different angles to create subtle, direct images with an absence of complication.   Alison Ballance, London 7th-14th July 2008 The proposal, by only being a suggestion of what it could possibly be, is a fragment. We have to look back into ourselves to see what s missing and then the attention becomes focused on that. Fiction is a fragment and therefore neither real nor the truth. It is a reference to reality which becomes real only through the viewer referring it to themselves. I see the idea of the fragment in architectural ruins, failures or incompleteness; attention is drawn to what is missing.   Diana Ali, Nottingham 18th- 25th August 2008 Diana is a British-Syhleti artist. She has worked in mixed media painting, photography and installation. She has exhibited in various venues such as, Salford Working Mens Club and Bonnington Gallery, Nottingham. She is currently exploring the visual and the verbal as an art form by involving artists’ responses locally, nationally and internationally.    More information from the AirSpace Gallery airspaceinfo@btinternet.com ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Chris Lewis-Jones: 13th May   To coincide with the Creative Partnership funded ‘Series of Unlikely Urban Texts’ exhibition, where Chris Lewis Jones worked with pupils from the Forest Park Primary School to create art work, Chris delivered a talk about his practice. The audience were shown examples of how his worked progressed through his concerns with cultural identity and his relationship with Cyril Seaton.   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Longhouse PAD   Friday 16th May saw the launch of the Longhouse Professional Artists Development publication. Artists, organisers and speakers gathered in the AirSpace exhibition space to view and discuss the work and issues that had been raised throughout the project. The exhibition continues until 24th May and if you come along you can pick up a free copy of the publication produced during the project. The publication illustrates the artists’ responses to the project and gives further insight into the project itself.   David Bethell and Anne Francis of the AirSpace gallery team both took part in the 3 day residency and exhibition, where 9 artists worked with 2 lead artists, local architects and council officers to explore the regeneration of Hanley, Stoke on Trent’s City Centre.  The artists then produced responses and proposals for what they felt could benefit the city whilst working in conjunction with the regeneration.   ‘Being involved in the project has given me more confidence in working on public projects and it has introduced me to more people working creatively within the City. It also generated some interesting discussions about the future of art in the city.’ -David   For the launch of the publication Anna Francis has produced a map and invites visitors to the gallery to mark on the map their feelings about the city centre, the things that they would change or keep. The map is gradually filling with responses to the city and offers insight into the general feelings and ideas about the regeneration. Alongside the map sits a pile of postcards that read ‘We don’t need a cinema or an art gallery here ...what this city really needs is a great big supermarket.’ A strong comment on the demolition of part of the Cultural Quarter of Hanley City Centre; old cinemas and buildings knocked down to allow for the construction of what is reputed to be the biggest Tesco in Europe.   www.longhouse.uk.com ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Happy 2nd Birthday AirSpace   So as not to let the 2nd Birthday of the AirSpace Gallery go un-noticed a 3 day window piece was shown in tribute to some of what the AirSpace team have achieved.   Some comments from the visitor book were included:   ‘Really like the polar bear, nice change to my day.’   ‘Best of luck for the future and development of the gallery. Beautiful work, thank you.’   ‘Nice to see some fun art in stoke.’   ‘Love the vibrating garden.’   ‘Absolutely fascinating.’   ‘Extremely absorbing and challenging, great stuff.’   ‘Look forward to future exhibitions.’   ‘Well worth a look.’   ‘Really fun, loved it.’   ‘Thank you for the opportunity to create.’ ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Dialogue Box- George Benson   Dialogue Box has seen its first exhibition; George Benson’s striking work ‘the colour of music’ has brought colour to the AirSpace window for just over a week. A great start to the series and we have really enjoyed having it at the gallery.   “It was great to see the completed installation of ‘the colour of music’ at Airspace Gallery as it’s been a hectic couple of weeks. I had my second child only three weeks ago, so the build of the installation and everything else wasn’t really started until a week before the final date. People will agree however that having a tight deadline can sometimes spur creativity!   I’m not the best carpenter but the box container for the records came together quite well in the end with the liberal use of wood filler and white paint, however it wasn’t completely ready until the day before so I hadn’t tested the records in situ. I rushed to Ikea (hell) to get some stand support to raise the box up on to eye level and (due to space constraints) assembled everything in my back garden.   I looked up at the sky …… it could rain at any point so I had to finalise the order of the records as quickly as possible otherwise everything would get very wet. The next hour was spent taking 1000 records on out of their sleeves and carting them downstairs to the garden ready to put in the box. With one eye on the clouds above I arranged the records into their array of colours. Lots of tweaks later everything was deconstructed ready to be installed the next day.   The installation at Airspace was much smoother especially with the able support of Dave and Andy although the records needed lots of spacing as they had mysteriously shrunk during transit. However the final piece looks great, amazing even. The double aspect of the window provides a dual aspect to the work, changing its perspective as you walk past. The contrast on the window to the architecture of the building also really works to provide an interesting focus and setting.   It was difficult and stressful at times but I’m really proud to have completed the work and have it exhibited here. It looks fantastic and the people at Airspace are lovely.” - George Benson   www.gwbenson.co.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 AirSpace Gallery   Would like to invite you to our next exhibition ‘Raw Material’ works by Liz Lock and Mishka Henner   The exhibition is open the 16th June – 21st June 11am – 5pm. The Preview is on the 17th 6-9pm                                On entering the 21st century, much emphasis is placed on the need for northern towns and cities to develop aspirational identities to attract outside investors and succeed in the global marketplace. Having worked in the north of England for the past four years, Lock & Henner came to North Staffordshirebetween October 2007 and April 2008 and found a landscape scarred by economic forces that have left deep psychological and physical wounds.Throughout our series, motifs associated with vulnerability and a coming of age appear alongside motifs of role-play and faith. Raw Material was commissioned by Arts Council England West Midlands and is an exploration of North Staffordshire, a territory rich in cultural andartistic heritage seeking to forge a new identity in a post-industrial era.   Best Regards   AirSpace Gallery... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995   AirSpace  contemporary art gallery is celebrating it’s second birthday by announcing 12 months of imaginative and innovative shows and exhibitions in the heart of Stoke on Trent.  The programme begins next week with a subtle and beautiful exhibition of contemporary lensless photography by women.   TITLE: Look; differently   DATES: Preview 1st July 6pm -9pm, 1st July – 12th July OPEN: Tuesday to Saturday 11am – 5pm   By IRIS an International Women’s Photographic Research Resource, internationally recognised as an innovative, leading-edge visual arts and culture centre, based at Loughborough University.   Artists Lisa Reddig Alessandra Capodacqua Heidi Crabbe    Katy Flaherty Undergraduate artists Chloë Butler (please note the ë) Sarah Elson   In this age of glossy, push button high-tech gadgetry, it’s a refreshing change to come across a widely used photographic tool which is essentially a box with a hole in it. It’s a camera, and these particular models are often home made. The pictures are taken by simply opening the tiny hole, (made by a household needle) by removing a bit of black tape, and waiting until the exposure is completed. This can take anything from a few minutes to several hours.   Curator of the exhibition and visiting lecturer on the BA photography course at Staffordshire University Mort Marsh, explains “Pinhole photography, is the antithesis of Cartier Bresson’s ‘decisive moment’, not that instant captured between each taken breath, but more the long languid exhale after close contemplation.” Mort, who has been involved with IRIS since 2003, firstly as a student, and then employed to oversee the development and re-branding of the project, has selected work for this exhibition from graduates and undergraduates from both Loughborough and Staffordshire University. She goes to say “pinhole photography is a unique way of exploring subject matter, because it takes much longer to produce and allows the artist to become more involved in the object or view. There’s also an element of risk, in that there is no viewfinder so the results can be surprising and unexpected”   There are 17 items in this show, from 6 artists, and the work ranges from the very small 3 x 5 inches up to larger 12 x 12 inch pieces.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Raw Material- Liz Lock and Mishka Henner.   As a finale to the Place, Space and Identity project in Stoke on Trent, the AirSpace Gallery hosted an exhibition of documentary photographs of the events that took place, the people that were in involved and a recording of thoughts of Stoke on Trent throughout the project. The artists were Liz Lock and Mishka Henner, commissioned as part of the Place, Space and Identity project.   From first walking past the AirSpace window you felt the sombre atmosphere that would greet you inside the gallery. Derelict buildings and melancholy portraits are an all too familiar sight in the city during the regeneration. People looking to the past to what the city has lost and is still losing; but you do not have to look to closely to see that hidden amongst the sombre imagery are some light hearted photographs that hint towards the future and a brighter city. Artists dressed in wrestling costumes remind us of what the people of Stoke on Trent are good at and what they enjoy and the cast of The Wizard of Oz in costume tells of the numerous theatres the city boasts.   Although the overriding reputation of Stoke on Trent says that we are 10 years behind other cities, and we cannot help but feel that the regeneration seems to be taking away our history, we are still an existing city. The people of Stoke on Trent are living here and moving forward, glimpses of light speckle the city, from a football team moving up to the premier league to an art gallery bringing in international contemporary artists. Perhaps it is time that Stoke on Trent ceases looking back to what we have been and starts looking forward to what we can be. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Constructed Opera becomes Permanent Feature   With a bombardment of art exhibitions, public art interventions and music and video events across the city the Axis Festival and AirSpace Gallery have given Stoke on Trent a glimpse of how fun and inspiring art in the city can be.   We saw everything from fly posters, wrapped lamp posts and gallery exhibitions to live art in shops, installations in bars and guerrilla video art on the Victoria Hall.   Following the success of the visual arts programme it has been requested that one piece of temporary work become permanent.  In the same spirit as Anthony Gormley’s statues at Crosby Beach were cherished to such an extent that they were eventually declared a permanent feature; the Victoria Hall in Hanley have requested that Rebecca Huxley’s ‘Place, Movement and Sound’ remains permanently on the windows leading up the stairway towards the rear of the building.   Commissioned by the AirSpace Gallery as part of the diverse Axis Festival Visual Arts programme Huxley’s work consists of giant geometric shapes taped onto large windows. Described as a ‘constructed opera of line and pattern’ the work is reminiscent of stained glass windows, capturing the light and projecting coloured shapes inside the building. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 9 go to Tatton Park   Friends and family of AirSpace gathered at the gardens in Tatton Park to see the first Tatton Park Biennial. A light stroll around the gardens led to the discovery of installations hidden within the flora and fauna. A pleasant surprise to see David Blandy first on the list of artists; Blandy exhibited in one of AirSpace’s AirVideo events in 2007 Although disappointing was that we were unable to see the work due to a limited screening timetable.   Other memorable sights were Heather and Ivan Morison’s Escape Vehicle; an impressive construction made from wood found at the park that offered the serving of a drink of tea for visitors; and Tessa Farmer and Sean Daniels’ Nest of the Skeletons and weird but wonderful animation hidden in the fernery.   Not wanting to waste the beautiful day we settled down for a glass of wine and barbeque (home made treats) before a closing ceremony of kiting, rabbit hole rounders and a Frisbee off!   For some interesting action shots see www.annafrancis.blogspot.com ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995  Who Are We? Who am I? 25th July – 9th August Preview 25th July 7pm AirSpace celebrates its second birthday with an exhibition of work from graduating students from Loughborough and Staffordshire University. At this time of year graduating students are asking themselves who, where and what they are; deciding what to do after education and searching for their entry into the world. A new generation of lawyers, journalists and artists are born. Surrounding them at this time of change are bigger changes; Stoke on Trent is undergoing a massive regeneration, looking to move forward to find a new beginning and future. And within that AirSpace is trying to establish as a permanent gallery, bringing national and international artists to the city; widening AirSpace’s and the City’s audiences. These new beginnings are happening all around us and as the world evolves it is easy to find yourself asking similar questions; who, where and what am I? The changes that we see lead us through doubt and excitement to a re evaluation of our place as individuals and groups in society. The artists in ‘Who are we? Who am I?’ all graduated from Fine Art courses this year, they each delve deep into their own concerns with this evaluation; some look to the past for reassurance and comfort and others take the future by the horns ready to run with it with eagerness and excitement. Wendy Mayer’s work is an exploration of the ageing process using surreal self portraits to describe her thoughts. Kate Lynch’s work is a site specific installation, highlighting the history of the gallery space and evoking thoughts of the redevelopment of Stoke on Trent. Graffiti Artist Jack Tierney questions the identity of the artist and how they are perceived through their anonymous work. Helen Saunders’ work sees the effects of the desires for change within a mechanical world. Matt Smith puts the viewer in his own work, questioning the viewer’s relationship to himself. Who Are We? Who am I? Consists of artists from Staffordshire University and Loughborough University, they include Kate Lynch, Wendy Mayer, Jack Tierney, Helen Saunders, and Matt Smith. The opening of ‘Who are we? Who am I?’ sees a dual celebration; the introduction of five Fine Art graduates to the world of Post Education and the 2nd Birthday of the AirSpace Gallery. For the celebrations we will be showing examples of past exhibitions, sharing cakes and we hope that by giving graduates from different universities the chance to exhibit together we will help to forge relationships and introduce artists from outside of the city to what Stoke on Trent has to offer. For more information visit: www.airspacegallery.org or contact airspaceinfo@btinternet.com 01782 261221.   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Look; differently   1st-12th July 2008 at AirSpace   The camera has become an item that we take for granted; I remember my first camera, a plastic case with flip up view finder that I used to hang around my neck with pride on day trips. Now I forget that I carry a camera with me everywhere, because it is hidden within my mobile phone. Complex cameras have been reduced down to simple point and click, it seems professional photography is within everybody’s grasp. And yet upon entering an exhibition of pin hole photography I feel that I am brought down to earth, immaculate detailed photography holding places and people with such sensitivity are brought here from merely a hole in a box. I find it hard to understand exactly how that pin hole can create these images but the simple contraption is able to hold my attention much more than a shot from a 7 mega pixal digital camera. It is encouraging to see that although many of us are enticed by the easy click of a switch there are still those that long for the simple and archaic technologies of our past.   The latest exhibition at the AirSpace Gallery is that of International Women’s Research Resource, Iris. Look; differently uses the gallery space in a more traditional sense, the simple wall mounting draws you attention to the detail held within. And you are rewarded with detailed imagery and blurry long shots with comments such as ‘feeling naughty taking a photo in the national naughty’. From what the artists say I find that pin hole photography allows you to develop a relationship with your work, instead of seeing and taking you are required to make and risk. There is no way of knowing how an image will turn out. Seeing the exhibition has inspired me to bring out my dusty 35mm SLR and an old Lomo I got free from a website in my teens. The only question is how easy is it to get hold of 35mm film these days? ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 International Workshop of Plastic Arts 2008   Katie Shipley and David Bethell of the AirSpace Gallery recently completed a 1 week artists’ residency in Galicia, Northern Spain. The residency took place in La Solaina an artist’s foundation in Pilono, an agricultural village.   Together with 10 other international artists David and Katie spent the week visiting art spaces across the locality, including the Neira Vilas Foundation and the Central Galler of Contemporary Art in Santiago (which they were shown around by the director). They also spent their time making artwork in response to their unfamiliar surroundings and eating many many meals.   asolaina.blogia.com   For more details about the residency see David and Katie’s websites www.davidbethell.blogspot.com www.katieshipley.com ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Plans for the Royal Albert Hall Project Alison Ballance   As part of the Dialogue Box series   The second exhibition of the Dialogue Box series has been and gone, but for just over a week in July Alison Ballance’s piece ‘Plans for the Royal Albert Hall Project’ came to a close in the window space of the AirSpace Gallery. The striking window piece brought a red flash of art to the streets of Stoke on Trent, catching the eyes of passers by and drawing them in.   ‘The piece in Dialogue Box is the last piece for Plans for the Royal Albert Hall Project which has been worked on, on and off, for several years. This project would involve inflating a hot air balloon inside the main auditorium of the hall. The hall’s eccentric and rotund shape turns it into a belly-like vessel. The hot air balloon would fill up inside the hall, silently pushing up against the building’s internal skeleton. During this time the project has gone from a formal, site specific installation, a surreal never-to-be-realised proposal, a romantic tribute, a collaborative piece with emphasis on the architectural structures; an idea which was realised in many different forms but never made. In preparation for this, plans have been drawn, models made, installation experiments been carried out, and re-drafted architectural drawings. I had originally proposed to show all the work I had made for this project in the Dialogue Box space. However when it came to installing the work I felt that a site specific piece would be better suited to the space, and more appropriate for the project as it was going to be the last piece made.   In my other work various media is again used to present either projects or responses to the built up environment, preferring to represent the fragment and the suggestion rather than crude over explanation. The proposal, by only being a suggestion of what it could possibly be, is a fragment. I see the fragment in architectural ruins, failures or incompleteness; attention is drawn to what is missing. My work has a reductive grammar which suits my conflicting feelings of life’s limitations alongside its potential. My primary medium is collage whether this takes its form in site specific installations or time specific pieces that are held together momentarily in a photograph. I use found objects, drawing and cuttings in my work all arriving fully loaded with cultural references and I enjoy seeing the dialogue that arises within the piece. ‘   -Alison Ballance       ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 The final show in the first Dialogue Box series opens in this monday.  Diana Ali, Nottingham 18th- 25th August 2008 Diana is a British-Syhleti artist. She has worked in mixed media painting, photography and installation. She has exhibited in various venues such as, Salford Working Mens Club and Bonnington Gallery, Nottingham. She is currently exploring the visual and the verbal as an art form by involving artists’ responses locally, nationally and internationally.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Who Are We? Who Am I?   This years degree show at the AirSpace Gallery came with a twist, by choosing to exhibit students from both Staffordshire University and Loughborough University AirSpace hope to encourage communications between different artists and also to deliver an even more diverse show. The eight recent BA graduates provided the gallery with just that; from freakily realistic wax figures in the window, to a loud exercise video the exhibition was filled with excitement, and yet punctuated with moments of clarity.   Wendy Meyer provided a distraction for the streets of Hanley with her lifelike sculptures in the window space of the gallery. Meyer made her self young by placing a wax replica of her own head in a pram with a babies body attracting attention from passers by, even some who complained on the sunnier days when the figures were removed for fear of melting; ‘I’m not sure if I like it but I still want to see it’. This was juxtaposed with an aged image of herself situated inside. Meyer here is dealing with self perception, do I look old? Do I look young?   Matt Smith entertained us with short videos created using a blue screen technique; to see a person trying to interact with themselves again brought thoughts of self perception. If I wasn’t me would I like me? These types of questions were consistent throughout the exhibition and remind you of what it is to embark on a new beginning.   Other artists, including Alishia Morrison and Joanne Mostyn, used subtler techniques to bring equally powerful suggestions of self. Morrison uses rusting metal with childhood memories to discuss the effects of physical scars and Mostyn creates delicate monochrome sculptures representative of an obsessive desire to build a safe world around her self.   Coinciding with the opening of ‘Who Are We? Who Am I?’ was the celebration of the 2nd birthday of the AirSpace Gallery. Directors David and Andy gave a short thanks to all those that have helped them and AirSpace get this far and then a quick pose for photographs before digging into the birthday cake.   Artists include: Kate Lynch, Wendy Meyer, Matt Smith, Helen Saunders, Jack Tierney, Aleshia Morrison, Ian Williams and Joanne Mostyn. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Defamiliarization: an exploration of responses through text The finale of the Dialogue Box series is currently on show and we are excited about the reactions we will receive. The artist Diana Ali has given us some words on the work:  'The Dialogue Box exhibition displays a stage of the ‘Defamiliarization’ project. The words exhibited are passed onto an artist in a different country. This artist then alters or re- interprets the words and substitutes it’s textual format into a visual one.  They then take a digital picture of its revised form.  The photograph must be a representation or be characteristic of the city or country it is in. All photographs are then returned to the original artist who came up with the words so they are re-introduced to the ‘defamiliarized’ version of their words.   The work started from local contributors and has now expanded around the globe. It questions the interpretation of someone’s creative thoughts into another’s and the visual interpretation of the written word. Who has the authorship to do this? But at the same time the project is allowing artists from around the globe to share their joys and anxieties of their heritage, language and countries to each other.   Artists around the world can see who have translated their words and in which country they were transformed by viewing this blog: http://www.dianaalidefamiliarization.blogspot.com/ ' As Dialogue Box comes to a close this year we are hurridly planing the next series and will be updating the blog with news on it's progress. We are really pleased with the work that has been shown, we have had some great responses and have enjoyed working and making connections with all the artists involved.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Tales From A Changing City September 5th - 12th, Preview 5th 7-9pm Darren Washington and Danny Hill "Th' bulldozers came last wayk; thee didna waste any tarme... Now, ow ah can see from mar back yard is a sea of debris, red, black 'n' grey; and th' tide stretches back as far as thayse tired owd eyes of marne can see fer. Pretty soon, ah suppose, ah'll bay the eownly one arahind 'ere that's left..."      Tales from a changing city is the first of a series of exhibitions from the community based company of the same name. The company was formed by Local Photographer Darren Washington And local Writer Danny Hill. The aims of there company is to highlight all aspects of change from a city undergoing vast regeneration. Starting with a selection real life images from the changing city with a collection of fictional stories in the first of series of exhibitions with many different styles and collaborations of work to come. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995   Johanna Hällsten   INTERCOM   10th October - 1st November Private view 10th October 7-9pm   We are pleased to present the latest solo exhibition by Swedish artist Johanna Hällsten.   INTERCOM continues Hällsten’s interests in translation, mediation and duration. Through two installations, different aspects of interaction occurring within dialogues will be explored.   The first installation situated within the window will be exploring notions of translation and mediation within the structure of a dialogue, together with the impossible task of inter-species communication.   A sparrow is talking to a badger and a woman. The characters involved are not visible, yet the dialogue itself can be heard through the use of vibration speakers attached to the windowpane. It is reminiscent of a science experiment, where the absurd situation somehow seems plausible because their conversation is mundane.   In the second installation, inside the gallery, the audience will come into contact with PA announcements. The announcements are drawing parallels to their function within the working environment, such as factories, offices and supermarkets. Hällsten is interested in distorting and altering the way in which the audience interacts with the impersonal instructions and messages. The instructions/messages are announced at intervals and fill the gallery space, changing its atmosphere. It creates an intriguing relationship between the lack of visual presence and emphasis on the normally overlooked sounds that the audience themselves produce.   During the private view the installation in the gallery will be interactive and the one-sided aspects of the PA system will be questioned and altered, becoming a direct dialogue between it and the audience.   Artist’s contact details: 07890570775 j.hallsten@lboro.ac.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Tales from a Changing City   Danny Hill and Darren Washington   The opening of the current show at the AirSpace Gallery saw many familiar faces; it’s great to see so many people supporting local artists.   The artwork is a collection of photographs showing the all too familiar scenes of derelict buildings and building sites across the city. Many of the photographs on show are accompanied by a passage of text, highlighting parts of the city and giving a taster of the people within it. The passages vary from discussions of next door neighbours to local barbers, colourful and fun, yet with a harsh reality emphasised by the use of the familiar Stoke on Trent dialect. For me the dialect is hard to take in, I find that reading it out loud helps to confirm a few sentences.   The images themselves have an eerie quality, bulldozers lurking down small back passages and empty shops; one series is taken at different angles giving you the feeling that the photographer has taken the images as he flees from something else. The images have enhanced shadows and highlights, clarifying the image, almost making them a window into a fantasy world; as if you could reach your hand in a pick up the brick in the image.   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995    Simon Kennedy ‘Bad Paintings' Preview 19th September 7pm - 9pm 20th - 4th October   ‘Bad Paintings' is the second solo show by the Chester based artist Simon Kennedy. Kennedy returns to show his work at AirSpace Gallery after graduating from Staffordshire University in 2004. Kennedy delivers work that is blunt yet poetic, he refuses to categorise his use of medium and as such enjoys the freedom of choosing whichever suits his subject. More recently he has been exploring the subject of celebrity, from the nouveau riche to the cursed genius. This, along with an increased desire to further examine the work of traditional painters, has led to ‘Bad Paintings.'This is AirSpace's first show solely dedicated to painting since opening in 2006. The AirSpace Gallery strives to present viewers with a fair representation of current contemporary art and is excited to be adding painting to its C.V.         ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Conjunction 08 Conjunction 08 is Stoke-on-Trent’s first major Contemporary Art Biennial. Stoke-on-Trent is changing, through the organisations involved in this project we want to ensure this is a change for the better, by ensuring that contemporary art is seen to be at the forefront of redevelopment and regeneration. It is supported by Arts Council England, North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership, Stoke on Trent City Council, Business Link, Staffordshire University, The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, AirSpace Gallery, Wren Park and Let Them Create. The theme of Conjunction 08 is FANTASTIC, FOUND and FAKE, which could apply to much of what is considered relevant in the sphere of contemporary art, from the everyday to the extraordinary. Conjunction 08 will open on the 8th November across the city and will run until the 13th December.  This years event will include over 40 artists including 25 new commissions by artists of international, national and regional significance. The Biennial will take place in the city centre, predominately at Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, AirSpace Gallery, Staffordshire University and Bethesda Chapel, there will also be site specific artwork in and around the city centre. To accompany the exhibitions there will be opportunities to attend artist talks, workshops and guided tours of the whole event. For more information e-mail airspaceinfo@btinternet.com ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Bad Paintings-Simon Kennedy   The current exhibition at the AirSpace Gallery gives another twist to the status of the celebrity. A mixture of smiling and disgruntled faces greets you as you enter the gallery space; familiar faces such as Jade Goody and Victoria Beckham are painted with such bright and vivid colours that they take on a garish and cartoon quality. The faces have been removed from their normal context and transformed into merely portraits, no longer the struggling celebrity their faces and features can be considered without the blaring headlines or ridiculous sub stories of a glossy magazine. The headlines are available as the titles of the work, but by being removed from their usual context they become even more ludicrous and gruesome; a fair comment on the trashy magazines that concoct stories out of nothing.   The backgrounds of the paintings have a still life quality, carefully placed items and stripes highlight or clash with the subject offering further insight and references to Vermeer, with emphasis on the earring detail. Other paintings such as ‘I saw Jack on holiday and I thought; Jesus Christ what did I see in you’ show marks where parts of the painting have been re-painted, or perhaps the whole painting has been re-done. Layers of paint and obvious changes to the arrangement references a restoration process but also points to the change in status when one is considered a ‘celebrity’; what we see is a mask hiding the real person and the real life.   With the addition of ‘A short interview with myself by myself’ we gain insight into the art work, but only as much as the artist is willing to give; without interrogation or awkward questions from an external interviewer. The result is an interesting twist on the artist statement, but without the slightly egotistical language often used in such documents.   Another interesting addition to the exhibition is the piece entitled ‘Confession’, the lonely rant of the artist, who appears to be a little more than pissed of with his current situation, the struggle for ‘the big idea’ and the integrity of the people and artists around him.   Review by Katie Shipley ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Intercom-Johanna Hallsten10th October-1st November 2008  Johanna Hallsten’s latest work begins in the window of the AirSpace Gallery, whilst looking into the Gallery window you will see an idyllic forest like setting, cut out of the landscape and transferred into the window box. The sound of birds whistling vibrates through the glass and projects out onto the pavement, interspersed with a badger and a human voice; a conversation between the three.   Inside the Gallery is Intercom, upon first sight a minimal exhibition of an ancient looking intercom system salvaged from a disused potteries factory in Stoke on Trent. But after time you discover that the intercom system is still working, with regular announcements being made in a thick Stoke accent ‘Can security please go to the entrance, security to the entrance.’ For the private view the speaker was a live performance by Janet Jenkins from the Wedgwood factory in Stoke on Trent; her accent bursting through the speakers at intervals and reducing the viewers to a hushed silence. Throughout the remaining three weeks the sound will continue to play, with the addition of live speakers throughout the day.   The private view brought many new and familiar faces to the gallery space, a lasting congregation considering that there was not a lot to see in the space. But all listened intently to the announcements and waited eagerly for the artist to appear. The gallery held a great atmosphere and the debut of the new laminated gallery floor was met with much approval.   The exhibition continues until the 1st November 2008 and Johanna will be delivering an artist’s talk on the 25th October at 3pm in the Gallery, all are welcome.   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Conjunction 08; FANTASTIC, FOUND and FAKE. 'Conjunction 08 will open on 7th November across the city and will run until 13th December 2008. The festival will involve over 30 artists, including 25 new commissions by artists of international, national and regional significance. The theme is FANTASTIC, FOUND and FAKE, and it is to this stimulus that the artists have been invited to respond, seeking the extraordinary in the everyday.' So we are drawing near to the opening of the festival and there is a buzz about the gallery. Artists have been coming and going all week installing their work. Including Stephanie Davidson's 'Found Space Tiles' that has been installed in the bathroom of the AriSpace Gallery. The pristine white wall tiles serve as a contrast to the fading paint work and the mirror a little unwelcome when you're not expecting it! But the back rest proves a comforting addition to the space. We are excited to see the rest of the artwork taking shape across the city.The festival opens on the 7th November 6pm-8pm at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Bethesda Street, Hanley. For more information visit www.conjunction.org.ukor e-mail airspaceinfo@btinternet.com ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Good Samaritans Foiled by Art’s New Enfants Terribles   Last night two members of the public tried to rescue a man whose voice could be heard calling for help from the boot of a crashed car at Staffordshire University. The Good Samaritans smashed into the front of the car in order to reach the boot only to find that the voice was a recording on loop as part of the new art work by Littlewhitehead. The piece was commissioned as part of the Conjunction 08 festival, Stoke on Trent’s Arts Biennial organised by AirSpace Gallery and partners.   Littlewhitehead are muliti sensory installation artists who play with ideas of reality and fiction. This is the second time that the Glaswegian duo’s work has caused extreme reactions in the public. Their work in the New Contemporaries exhibition, as part of the Liverpool Biennial, has recently been attacked by members of the public; where visitors to the exhibition were seen punching and kicking life size hooded and balaclava clad figures   The Conjunction festival runs until the 13th December across various places in Stoke on Trent’s City Centre, including AirSpace Gallery. For more information please see www.conjunction.org.uk or call 01782 261221   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Artist Talk Gayle Chong Kwan 5th December 2008 1-2pm Artist Talk and 3-4pm Q&A Film Theatre, Staffordshire University, College Road, Stoke on Trent ST4 2DE   Gayle Chong Kwan will discuss her artwork, which can be seen as part of the Conjunction 08 Festival at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, and will relate that to the other works and commissions she has produced during her career.   Gayle has had solo exhibitions at Artsway New Forest, Tate Britain, National Portrait Gallery London, Chinese Arts Centre Manchester and MAC Birmingham. She has also exhibited at the Venice Biennale, South London Gallery and Tate Modern.   For more information on the festival please see www.conjunction.org.uk   To book a place please e-mail fantastic@conjunction.co.uk or call 01782 261221   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Conjunction 08 festival is in full swing with Artist talks and guided tours still taking place, including Gayle Chong Kwan’s talk on the 5th this week at Staffordshire University. Gemma Thomas has been keeping a blog for the festival on the Conjunction website www.conjunction.org.uk so you can catch up on anything you have missed and keep track of everything that’s going on.   AirSpace will be hosting their next exhibition ‘Trying to Cope With Things That Aren’t Human (part 1)’ in March 2009. Curated by Ian Brown the show will be touring from San Francisco. In the mean time we will be hosting some exciting events to whet your appetite. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 AirSpace are back after a well deserved winter break.  The Conjunction 08 festival was really well received and we are still getting positive feedback. The next exhibition at the gallery will be 'Trying to cope with things that aren't human (part1)' curated by Ian Brown, that is currently on show at David Cunningham Projects in San Francisco. It will open at AirSpace on the 27th March. Check out the website for more details www.thingsthatarenthuman.comAlso coming up is the next series of Dialogue Box exhibitions, that will be a series of week long exhibitions in the AirSpace Window. This year Dialogue Box will also be hosting a Dialogue Box: Live Art event in May. For application details to these please visit the AirSpace Website www.airspacegallery.org.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Laurence Payot will be the first of the Dialogue Box 2009 exhibitors. Her exhibition 'Back to the Future' will open in the gallery window on the 17th February and will be up until 25th February. 'Looking at today with the eyes of the future...''Laurence Payot's new work for Dialogue Box challenges people's perceptions of their everyday surroundings, of what is considered common place in our current culture, and how this would be perceived in 10 or 20 years time. In February 2009, these pictures were taken in the main streets of Hanley, in the style of postcards, inspired by photographs of Hanley in tourist prospectuses, and of black and white photographs of Hanley on the walls of the museum. These photographs were then manipulated to look like they had been left on windows for a long period of time, discoloured by years of sun and moonlight.' For more information please visit www.laurencepayot.com ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Asdsan Workshops 2AirSpace completed their second series of Asdan Workshops last month. Where they delivered Problem Solving workshops to 9 students from St Peter’s School. The students were taught drawing and photography techniques looking at the subject of self-representation. The workshops culminated in a self-curated and promoted show in the AirSpace window.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 A New AgeLast week AirSpace showed the work of the Fine Art MA students from Staffordshire University.  It was a great atmosphere at the opening and it was wonderful to see so many people at the gallery. It reminded me how important these events are for networking for artists, I saw many faces I haven’t seen for a while and got to catch up with some artists and see how their work is progressing. The work that stood out was that of Russell Willett, a large scale drawing on the back wall of the gallery. Also worth noting was the amusing piece by Chris Parks, the description is of a man waiting for his girlfriend to try on clothes during a shopping trip, but what we see is a pigeon sitting on a fence. It was also good to see some eye-catching work in the window, Andy Nash presented a drill with fans attached, hanging from the ceiling and spinning around in the window space.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 AirSpace Gallery is pleased to announce Trying to Cope with Things that aren’t Human (Part One) :-An international touring group exhibition and publication curated by Ian Brown. Artist: Alan Currall, Alex Pearl, Annika Strom, Francis Mckee, Ian Brown Heather and Ivan Morison, Johanna Hallsten, Mariele Neudecker, Paul Rooney, Richard Hughes, Richard T Walker and Ryan Gander.This is the second in a series of exhibitions, which started at David Cunningham Projects, San Francisco in January 2009. The accompanying publication comprised of specially commissioned artworks by Paul Rooney, Heather and Ivan Morison, Richard T. Walker, Annika Ström, Ian Brown, Ryan Gander, Francis McKee and Alex Pearl will be also available at DCP, AirSpace Gallery and Amazon.Trying to Cope with Things that Aren’t Human (Part One) is a group exhibition that includes work in a gallery format and in a publishable form.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 The opening for Trying to Cope with things that aren’t Human (Part 1) attracted the largest number of visitors to a private view that AirSpace has had. Over 150 people came to the gallery on Broad Street in Hanley and it was worth it. Curated by Ian Brown the show had travelled from the David Cunnigham Projects gallery in San Fransisco, but the Stoke show boasted a few new works by artists such as Alan Currall, Heather and Ivan Morrison and Mariele Neudecker, never seen before.What was brilliant about the opening were the familiar faces mixed in with the new. Local artists are still supporting the gallery and some people travelled from as far as Norwich and Liverpool (that’s not including David Cunningham who travelled from San Fransisco).It was wonderful to see the gallery bursting at the seams with lively chatter and appreciation. The exhibition continues until the 2nd May and there are also limited edition publications for sale. For more information please visit www.airspacegallery.org or www.thingsthatarenthuman.com .... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Aftermath 21st -31st May 2009Nicholson Institute, Leek AirSpace Gallery presents new works from artists Anna Francis, Andrew Branscombe, Bernard Charnley, Brian Holdcroft, David Bethell, Katie Shipley, Phil Rawle and Stuart Porter.The exhibition explores a range of themes including urban regeneration, nature, and aspects of the human condition. The works are representative of the artist’s working at various stages of development; there is both explorative and resolved works on display. The exhibition therefore presents a developmental snapshot of contemporary art and artists living and working in Staffordshire.Aftermath the show’s title suggests what is left over after an upheaval. The works presented here have come directly from or are influenced upheavals, social mental or physical, the work examines change and it’s results. The interim and explorative nature of some of the work also suggests the idea of a recent disturbance of the artist’s work, its processes and results.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Dialogue Box 09Ben Chetter – Unified Monotony AirSpace Gallery Window 4th – 18th June 2009This year’s Dialogue Box series started with Laurence Payot’s new work ‘Back to the Future’ where Payot sought to challenge people's perceptions of their everyday surroundings, of what is considered commonplace in our current culture, and how this would be perceived in 10 or 20 years time.The series continues this month with work from Ben Chetter; views from people during his adolescence had Chetter experience the negativity of homosexuality and to virtually treat it like a disease, here creating a negative stereotypical view of the effeminate.The stereotype of effeminate qualities in homosexuality has intrigued Chetter to combine it within elements of symbolism. Incorporating the stag, the artist uses this as a predominant mediator between human and animal instinct. He is the man of the forest, the epitome of masculinity.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Aftermath - 21st-31st May 2009Nicholson Institute, Leek This May AirSpace was on tour, well okay it was only one venue and it was in Leek but it was a really great opportunity to see some of the work that the people behind the gallery are creating. The private view on the Wednesday was a really great turn out, and there was a nice atmosphere filling the high ceilinged room that is the Nicholson Institute. The artwork, although not curated as such, appeared to be taking the viewer on a journey through the exhibition. Throughout the week people were seen to be delicately walking around the space, avoiding the large amount of floor-based work, map in hand and scrutinising the work on show. It was interesting to see the links between the practises of those involved with the gallery. There seemed to be an underlying theme of nature and the environment. Phil Rawle, Anna Francis, David Bethell, Andrew Brandscome and Brian Holdcroft all used imagery and objects linked to nature, from discarded branches to planted seeds their work seemed to be reflective of a world increasingly aware of it’s environment and our use of it. Other subjects were scattered throughout the show including explorations of memory by both Stuart Porter and Katie Shipley and Bernard Charnley’s referencing of the human condition. For artists working together, but not as artists, I think it’s important for us to be able to explore each other’s work in this way.  I think the exhibition has served to be a much-needed pause for thought on the work that we are creating, allowing us to realign or reaffirm the direction we are heading in. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Ecco Homo Tesco 27th June-25th July In their latest work, 'Ecce Homo Tesco', Doyle and Mallinson present a range of horribly convincing and uncomfortably satirical dioramas, a conflation of contemporary concerns and debates. Dark yet humorous, modern props and scenarios are made to strange references loaded with pathos, mirroring society and our times: 'Behold the lazy, track-suited lager swilling man'.Museum mounted skeletons and display cases of fake artifacts are installed in a celebration of regional museum displays and scientific hoaxes. Drawing on source material from bigfoot movie footage, fossil remains and commercial advertising, Doyle and Mallinson expand on ideas explored previously in 'Ecce Homo Erectus' recently shown at Venlo Stadhuis, NL.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Ecce Home Tesco The show opened on the 26th June, introducing Stoke on Trent to Shaun Doyle and Mally Mallinson’s Devolution Theory. A theory that sees a Tesco dystopia where the human skeletal structure has devolved to cater for the new Tesco life, where the young are enrolled into the compulsory Tesco Youth and Tesco monuments are built to celebrate the chain. A combination of strangely realistic skeleton figures and museum like artefacts create a history for our predicted future, the show is predominantly amusing, the children at the pre-view were seen to be pointing and laughing at the figures. Yet at the same time there are haunting undertones, could this actually happen? Or is it already happening? It was recently reported that the sale of forks was massively out numbering the sale of knives, could this be the beginning of our downfall, one hand shovels food while the other rests on the television remote. It could be that we are closer than we think to the fork shovelling seen in Doyle and Mallinson’s videos.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 bernard charnley – the instability of spaces as part of Dialogue Box-AirSpace window 5th – 14th AugustThe installation of paintings comment on the paradox of fragility but strength of  spaces, the ones we construct in our heads or those social and personal that we occupy, shape and exchange with everyday. In location in the dialogue box, the floating random double suspension of the images in their box frames, and of the frames in the window space, opens a colourful conversation in the air. It is a playful exchange on its own tensions and contradictions that speaks also to the dynamics of our own desires and dreams.www.bernardcharnley.co.uk... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Jin Han Lee – Beyond and Within as part of Dialogue Box AirSpace Gallery Window 18th – 31st AugustAn easy explanation of my current paintings is the awkward and strange relationship between layers created by using masking tape.  I create edged patterns, gradation, and big brushstrokes. I want to disorientate the viewer through the various techniques employed in my paintings, the dynamic created through use of spontaneous and  planned actions within each work reinforcing this state.  Tension and spontaneity are repeated between images and layers.  By using “masking,” I am producing something that is not a picture in a picture.  My method is to paint over the masking tape then remove the tape so that the act of masking is an act of drawing.  The act of painting is not simply just placing colour onto the canvas but also the removal of the masking tape which cuts through the colour.Using masking tape allows me the chance to focus on each image, as to show the image, I have to block the image.  There is a disjointed space within the image, between what is seen before and after the masking tape is removed, by cutting the tape I expose the core.www.jinhanlee.com... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 A Brave New World AirSpace Gallery September 2009 It seems that barely seconds have passed since that time when the world was full of boundless possibilities. A small muddy patch in the back garden might have been the site of a pitched battle between a legion of Lego men and incongruous plastic dinosaurs, or perhaps the space around the bed was a shark infested sea, you are the captain navigating between the perilous jagged wardrobe or the threatening bite of the cracken (usually an older family member in a bizarely patterned Christmas sweater).Before the rot of tv and national insurance contributions sets in the world is your oyster and a thing of your own creation.Talk to an average person on the street and ask them to describe what is meant by ‘abstract’ or ‘surreal’ and you might possibly be there for infinity. Now if you were to approach a former pupil of either Forest Park Primary school or Clarice Cliff Primary School at some time in the future and the answer would be there instantly.For twelve days in each school over a period of around three months, David Bethell, Eleanor Babb and myself have been exploring 'Strange New Worlds' through a series of workshops with 7-8 year olds in year 3 classes. The children were put straight in at the deep end with the exploration of surreal and abstract concepts, in order for them to create an environment both distant but somehow familiar to us as viewers. The days of experimentation would culminate in an exhibition of artworks at AirSpace Gallery. Lasting just over a week the exhibition showed a combination of large-scale sculptures, experimental drawing and photography, and clay maquettes; each piece owing its existence to the creativity and imagination of a young mind.Amongst the works were glimmers of recognisable memories from another time, distant maybe, but in reality not that far away. The power of art to develop a sense of wonderment was evident at the artists' first viewing of the final curated show. Not only were they seeing their own work in a new light but that of their compatriots from across the city. A spontaneous and almost unconscious critical debate occurred as similar and different themes emerged, and were either praised or derided.Sometimes it seems as though the creativity of childhood is lost to the tedium of the everyday adult world of MOTs and risk assessments, and the constant drive to formalise what we do. However creating and viewing this work alongside those enquiring minds has shown me at least that that ideal state of mind is still just underneath the surface.Andrew Branscombe... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Marl Hole 3rd - 31st October 2009 at AirSpace Gallery as part of British Ceramics Biennial, Stoke on Trent. The concept of Marl Hole was to challenge the traditional ideas and methods that have been applied to clay, and demonstrate a fresh approach to the material whilst using very primitive techniques. Neil Brownsword, Alexandra Engelfriet, Torbjørn Kvasbø, Johnny Magee and Pekka Paikkari joined forces to make this work possible.  The artists visited Etruria Marl located in Staffordshire to embark on both a physically and mentally challenging task, to manipulate the landscape in order to create interventions which demonstrated the history and relationship between the creator and the material.  Over a period of just five days, each artist was confronted with the material in its rawest state and had to decide in what way they would alter the landscape to create their piece of work.The event was filmed by Johnny Magee which clearly shows the strength and determination of the five artists as well as the exhaustion they face along the way.  The sheer scale of the Etruria Marl is daunting enough, but despite that the artists successfully created their work whilst enduring the elements and having limited resources. Johnny Magee manages to capture the emotions and thoughts that the artists experience throughout his filming and this is achieved by focusing on the struggles and exertion that takes place.  If the film were to solely focus on the finished pieces, then the purpose of the project would have been lost.  It is only when you see the individuals using parts of their bodies to manipulate the clay and the sheer force needed to do it, that you start to appreciate the work on the level that it is intended.  The exhaustion felt by the artists is sympathetic to the past workers of the pottery industry by both demonstrating the back breaking work that they would undertake daily and scale of the industry at the time.  The fact the Etruria Marl exists from the now extinct pottery industry and that it looked so desolate and empty despite its vastness before the artists arrived; symbolises with the death of the industry and the large hole it has left within the area and its community. continued...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 ... As well as the film was the installation of an interactive clay wall that allowed visitors to touch and manipulate the clay in whatever way they wanted.  This was very popular with children visiting the gallery and allowed them to experience the feel of the material as well as creating some of their own works of art above the clay wall.  I felt this was an important aspect to the exhibition as the viewers could touch the clay to get a sense of what the artists were feeling and what it was like to use the material.  A striking contrast to the clay wall was the bed of clay that sat opposite the wall.  Alexandra Engelfriet created a performance which involved manipulating the clay with only her body and the aid of water to wet the clay.  This was very intense as she recreated the techniques used in the Marl Hole film.  To be confronted with what you had viewed on a screen and to see how the material reacted in the flesh certainly put things into perspective.  Even though the area of the clay which she was manipulating was on a minute scale compared to the quarry, you realise just how exhausting working with such a material in this way is.  As the clay become wet and sticky, Alexandra had to fight with the material to free herself ready for her next move.  As the performance progressed you could see the fatigue consuming her as well as the material covering more and more of her body resulting in an epic struggle; again symbolising with the pottery industry and the struggles which it faced in its later years being consumed by capitalism and eventually being exported abroad to allow greater profits. Over all I felt the exhibition was a great success.  The aim of the exhibition to confront the traditional idea of clay and its purpose was certainly achieved as well as symbolising the history and industry of the area.  Hopefully this will give new hope to the area by presenting the potential of ceramics in the art industry and recapture the enthusiasm of the material that was once felt whilst the Pottery Industry was still thriving.  Stacey Booth  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 John O’Hare – The Trouble With Monuments6th – 20th NovemberAirSpace Gallery WindowAs part of Dialogue Box 2009        In my practice I appropriate and manipulate familiar objects in order to challenge processes of recognition and interpretation. My work examines the public reception of the artist’s work and its problematic impact upon the determination of the artistic vision. Whilst artistic style and content can be borrowed or appropriated there is still a faith held in the importance of the artist’s work and of their ability to transcend the everyday or have something valuable to impart. The appearance of my work is based on arbitrary decisions with the aim that they will receive their credence and consequence by the viewer, resulting in me playing with the aspirations to meet fleeting judgements of taste that also determine engagement. The Trouble with Monuments is a play on the classical figure and its display (something often reprised with shop window displays of mannequins); an obese torso complete with ambiguous stains becomes a monument to the larger, fuller figure, yet one that is also characterised by its interpretation as a messy glutton. The desire to impart some truth about the contemporary human body through a figurative work conflicts with being unable to resist forcing an interpretation on something that might be better served by saying nothing. This conflict continues with the materials used to render the plinths and what they support; both the plinths and references to classical style accentuate the metaphor of the plinth and display techniques as things that focus attention, bringing about a dialogue, and with it expectations.www.airspacegallery.orgairspaceinfo@btinternet.com    01782 261221... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 The Never Ending Multi-StoryJoss Cole, Anwyl Cooper-Willis, Chris Hill, Charlotte Ratcliff21 November – 18 December 2009Preview Friday 20 NovemberIt is a fact of space science that there is such a body in the universe as a black hole; in a theory of quantum physics is proposed that at the centre of such a structure there is a form known as a singularity. A singularity it is surmised may provide a gateway between our universe and an infinite number of alternatives, which run unseen alongside our own. The theoretical notion of infinite alternatives may in some way relate to our own fantasies of alternative realities in which we may have taken different paths at one point or another in our lives.  Who or what would we be if we had turned left instead of right, rich and famous, happy. We always lean towards the positive, in some way feeling that our current experiences are somehow in complete, and that there must be somewhere better.The four artists that feature in “The Never Ending Multi-Story” have not only just encountered their own singularity, in graduating from their respective arts degrees, but also explore ideas of alternatives through their works. These ideas document our relationship with our environment and how we exist there. Power, struggle, harmony, fragility and conflict are among some of the elements that are contained within the artists’ works. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 The Never Ending Multi-Story is a collaboration of four artists, each exploring the idea of alternative existences to that which they have become accustom to.With each artist recently graduating from University, this exhibition enables the viewer to see fresh work emerging onto the contemporary art scene and gives insight into the direction the industry is moving towards.Charlotte Radcliffe explores the idea of a hybrid world.  As we constantly strive to improve our surroundings with modern architecture, state of the art technology and the integration of cultures; our previous marks remain creating a juxtaposition between old and new.  Amongst the developments and re-developments, pockets of existence become lost in the process and it is these spaces, or ‘non-sites’ as Charlotte refers to them, that are explored through her work.The paintings are abstract in their style, but are also representational of the themes and objects which have been explored, allowing the viewer to be able to place and relate to what they are seeing.  It successfully engages the viewer and invites them to visually explore further.  The colours that have been used seem to have been inspired by urban graffiti art; this demonstrated by the use of bright colours presented in a style to that which we see regularly tagged to walls and buildings in our day to day lives.  These colours are then composed with earthy tones and a darker feel is created through this.  An urban landscape is created where nature can be seen fighting to exist against the waste and unwanted items that we have left to be consumed and become a part of these ‘non-sites’. It is an exploration of an evolved hybrid landscape not belonging to any particular part of our society due to it being forgotten or deliberately ignored.  The idea of mixed elements is demonstrated well as she explores flat painted areas composed alongside sections aimed to be visually three-dimensional.  There is certainly a feel of warfare explored in her work with colours associated with common camouflage being used together to create an urban jungle, and this could symbolise these ‘non-sites’ fighting to be seen and acknowledged.  It also plays with the idea of the nature battling with the artificial as we impose our ways upon the earth.  All in all it creates a visually rich experience and will hopefully encourage the viewer to think about the issues that the artist has addressed in her work...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 ...Anwyl Cooper-Willis makes her impression on the viewer through her imposing installation situated between the main gallery areas.  The inspiration for this piece was based on the idea of control and propaganda being created through architecture.  Her installation consists of what can be described as the front of a bold, powerful building, possibly linked to German architecture.  The focus is on drawing our awareness to the level of control and manipulation over us and how objects such as buildings can have a big effect upon us.  In order to state power and government these buildings are created and consist of large imposing structures that are used as a way of protecting the power which has been obtained; these everyday sites acting as a threat or reminder with regards to who owns who and how we must be compliant.  Anwyl has addressed this subject well as her installation is threatening in its presence and the large silver/grey pillars almost resembling prison bars, reminding us of how restricted we can become under government and law.  I particularly like the use of materials as the artist has used card and paper, which beautifully symbolises just how fragile and short-lived power can be.  The structure of the piece is weak and unstable and it will not stand forever the same as the power and fear that is associated with it.  Chris Hill’s photography is documentary in its style and tells the story of everyday people through a single image of their life. There is no particular focus on one culture, class or area, the photos seem to have been taken in random areas and draw attention to the progression of British identity and society.  Certain images elaborate on a person’s role within society.  A car mechanic is shown standing in front of a car on a vehicle lift at a garage, then two men, who could possibly be related can be seen in work clothing standing next to agricultural machinery.  In another image a woman can be seen standing behind a counter at a store.  These images demonstrate to us the people behind our community who help to run and maintain the necessities that we take for granted.  The style of these photographs is very similar to the type of photography that could be seen during the 1980s.  The use of black and white, for me, emphasises the documentary aspect to these images and a theme of recession can be noted throughout them.  This can be linked to the economic struggles during the 1980s and this is reflected through the images depicting a punk or metal gig and the football supporters at their teams match. ...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 .  ... Images showing a funfair closed and a building in ruins also draws to this theme.  The change in politics can also be noted as anti-BNP graffiti messages are spray painted onto walls and a man displaying an England t-shirt whilst smoking a cigarette poses for a shot.  With our society now a multi-cultural one, these photographs show how certain people want to be patriotic or feel like they still belong to some form of British identity whatever that may be.  The viewer can relate to incidents occurring during the Thatcher era and points out to us that even after two decades, we are still in similar situations to the ones we were struggling with then.  It raises the question to whether our society has progressed at all.When I first read the description for Robert Johnson’s work, the aim being to bring elements of blues music and Zen practises together, I will admit I didn’t know what to expect.  When entering the space where Robert’s work can be seen you are immediately drawn to the layout of area.  The first thing to catch your attention is the broom resting against the pillar in the centre of the room and from here you start to notice the careful positioning of the works.  You are invited to study each piece carefully just through the careful layout and the calmness that is created.  As you walk through the doorway you pass a chair facing towards the corner of the wall and in front of it is a diddley bow.  You then start to notice each painting where blues music is represented through the dark tones, almost creating the night feel of a blues bar.  There is a lot of energy within these paintings, yet they are not chaotic in their style.  In contrast to these is the painting of a landscape where a single string has been stretched across the canvass and secured at either end.  This playing with the idea of the diddley bow, but also addressing a much deeper idea based around Zen practises.  The use of diddley bows symbolises with the Zen idea that all content should be stripped away to reveal a neutral zone where we can then explore and experience things on a much deeper and richer level.  The single string of the diddley bow is that neutral zone, and the many sounds that can be created from this one string, opens up to us the idea of deep self exploration and a search for truth rather than settling for constant representations.  Robert Johnson’s passion and interest in this area certainly shines through and he manages to portray a lifestyle of blues and the search for truth and peace. ...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Each artist has explored the idea of looking at life from another perspective and the level of contrast that can be seen through the work on display puts a real emphasis on how fixated we can be with regards to the perspective we have become comfortable with.  Hopefully this exhibition will allow the viewer to see their everyday life in a different way and encourage us to look at our surroundings for what they are.Stacey Booth... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 CHRISTMAS CARDS   New for 2009 and available now; a range of Christmas cards featuring new limited edition artwork by AirSpace Gallery studio artists. The cards are available in two sets with four different cards in each set, these cards give acontemporary slant to the christmas card, and have been created to help support the continuing exhibition programme for 2010. Available to buy at the gallery or online at http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4-FINE-ART-XMAS-CARDS-AIRSPA...   and http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4-FINE-ART-XMAS-CARDS-AIRSPA...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Creative duo roam the West Midlands on photo trail….     Rhonda Wilson and Lorna-Mary Webb are the creative and organisational forces behind Rhubarb-Rhubarb - widely regarded as Europe’s premier International Photographic Portfolio Review - based in Birmingham.  In early 2010 they’re hitting the road to meet new and emerging photographers who wish to make more of their talents.  They’ll be covering all corners of the West Midlands region and are keen to see what’s out there.   The event is open to all photographers based in the region and is free of charge.   Photographers get a thirty-minute portfolio review session with Rhonda, Rhubarb’s Creative Director, or Lorna-Mary, Company Manager.  Both have reviewed far and wide internationally, at photo festivals held in the UK, USA, China, Korea, Poland, Denmark and France among others.   “The aim of the tour is to see the work of photographers who wish to make their photographs more visible, get advice on the images in their folios and outline some of the forthcoming events and schemes being operated by Rhubarb-Rhubarb. Among these is our annual bursary scheme, giving photographers the chance to attend one of our major national or international review and seminar events.   “In 2009 the winners also had a show at Wolverhampton Museum and Art Gallery and two of them were chosen, one from the West Midlands and the other from the UK, to accompany me to Fotofest's Meeting Place 2010, in Texas, to show their work.  It’s always exciting going to look at work and there are always some spectacular finds out there in the region.” says Wilson.   The 2009 event was fully booked and saw the duo visit 6 venues across the region, seeing the work of over 40 photographers, helping them to move their practice forward.     2010 Roaming Rhubarb dates and venues;   Wednesday 10th February 2010 – Solihull Arts Complex Thursday 11th February 2010 – Airspace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Wednesday 17th February 2010 – Artrix, Bromsgrove Wednesday 24th February 2010 – Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton Thursday 25th February 2010 – Herbert Museum and Art Gallery, Coventry     Those interested can visit www.rhubarb-rhubarb.net For bookings contact Sean McGarry on admin@rhubarb-rhubarb.net or call 0121 773 7889... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Brian Holdcroft – The Process of Rendering Something Sacred As part of Dialogue BoxAirSpace Gallery Window This work examines nature and landscape myths and questions how our sense of place is as much a product of memory. Through the recollection of events and stories landscapes are established that extend across time and space and are shaped in the mind. Establishing a continuity with the past they add to a collective understanding that provides a reassurance of identity.www.brianholdcroft.co.uk... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 \"home\"   presented by AirSpace Gallery13th February – 27th March, 2010 | Opening Reception Friday 12th February, 6-9 pmAirSpace Gallery – 4 Broad Street Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire UK ST1 4HL| Open Tues - Sat 11am - 5pm Featuring: Kashif Nadim Chaudry, Samit Das, Chinmoyi Patel, Hetain Patel, Harminder Singh Judge \”home\” is a group exhibition looking into how, when set in a comparable context with artistsfrom South Asia, British artists of South Asian descent view their own origin and literal physicalsense of location, alongside more figurative investigations and manifestations of the self andidentity, locality and vicinity, foreign and foreignness, home and origin.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 \”home\” is the latest exhibition to feature at Airspace gallery in Stoke-on-Trent.  Kashif Nadim Chaudry, Samit Das, Chinmoyi Patel, Hetain Patel and Harminder Singh Judge explore their identities as well as their cultural and traditional heritage through their individual creative practice.  With each artist being connected to Asian descent, \”home\” highlights the theme of personal identity and development when being associated to multiple cultures and the boundaries and opportunities that can be presented as a result.Kashif Nadim Chaudry displays strong influences from his family history of tailoring and trade, this being seen through the use of materials in his work as well as the techniques employed to create them.  ‘Sanctuary’ is a sculpture piece which clearly defines the artist’s interest in Islam and the architecture that is also associated with religious areas of Asia.  Wood and cotton are beautifully combined to create a piece which demonstrates gothic and Islamic architecture as well as demonstrating his personal experiences of travelling, religion and traditional textiles.  Even though the sculpture stands approximately 100cm tall, the grandness and importance of the monolithic structures in this piece is apparent.   This relates to the artist’s strong religious upbringing and the level of importance this poses in his life.  The cotton has been carefully dyed burgundy and presented carefully to create a flowing draping effect around the four main structures.  With this particular colour symbolising purity in India, this only emphasises the religious references contained within the piece.  The elegance of the draping cotton is also further accentuated through the use of this particular tone and helps to suggest movement, possibly linking to the artist’s experience with travelling or even suggesting the influence that religion has over people and how this flows throughout their day to day lives.  ‘Enter’ is a textile piece created from machine tufted wool and synthetic fibres.  With the artist’s family having a successive tailoring background, the importance of selected materials and how they are used are clearly important and something the artist feels he wants to carry on in his own work.  You are enticed to explore the varying textures of the materials and the change in shape, colour and texture, especially towards the centre of the piece, only encourages this further.  This could link with the artist’s drive to explore his culture and identity as well as the areas from where this originated from.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Samit Das challenges the ideas of development and growth within our cities and societies.  The term ‘developed’ suggests the sense of being at the cutting edge or having made a successful transition from one stage to the next.  Das demonstrates what impact development and growth has upon our surroundings and therefore affecting our lives.  Multilayered and focusing strongly on architecture, Samit Das’s work incorporates collage and laser engraving techniques, and could even be considered sculptural as some pieces are three dimensional due to the layering process that is used.  Images of buildings and architecture are numerously layered creating a dynamic expansion across the surface of the piece mimicking the movements of construction in cities such as Bombay and Delhi.  Das plays with the idea of the new waves of development consuming the old and traditional.  With the constant drive for capital gain and expansion, Das highlights how we could be creating our own downfall through the motion of continually striving for more.  His work can appear apocalyptic and this is clear in a photographic piece entitled ‘Goddess’, where what appears to be a sculpture of a Hindu goddess is left smashed on the ground surrounded by rubble. Whether this relates to the infrastructure of Asia, or how religion has been adapted to meet people’s needs in a new society is debatable and could even refer to both.  However what is clear is the emphasis on fast change and how constant development does not remove all traces of what was there before.  It questions whether this trend in development is just a spurt or whether people no longer feel attached and precious towards their traditions and heritage despite being seen as valuable for such considerable time.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Chinmoyi Patel presents a sound installation piece entitled ‘B.P & S.P’.  A section of wall is painted in vibrant orange creating a sense of warmth and comfort.  As you begin to listen to the piece through headphones you begin to hear the artist’s voice as you look at the orange space and a multitude of stories unfold.  Chinmoyi Patel is interested in exploring her identity and culture and she does this by taking snippets from reality and adapting them into a fantasy world of storytelling.  The story which unfolds is told in sections of no particular order, and as the story progresses each section of the story becomes clearer as you relate to what has been described earlier in the piece.  Chinmoyi Patel obviously feels strong about her sense of reality and where she feels she fits into this through how she projects herself.    The use of orange that covers the wall, helps to create the warmth that she installs in her stories, but orange can also be symbolised with courage and this is something the artist may be familiar with when asserting her identity and exploring reality through her storytelling.  The piece is very descriptive and they way in which the piece is voiced helps deliver a broader understanding allowing a range of people to relate to what they are hearing.  Even though Indian culture is at the heart of the piece, themes such as family, relationships, childhood and memories are explored.  The change in pitch and pace of the voice telling the story helps to capture your attention and it does give a sense of an adult reading to a child at times, which only adds to the feeling of warmth and exploration of past times.  The piece is sympathetic and sophisticated in its approach and gives a glimpse into the artist’s mind and life which she has been exploring.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Hetain Patel presents a split-screen film entitled ‘To Dance Like Your Dad’.  One thing that is evident from this piece is the artist’s attention to detail and the precise nature in which he undergoes his work.  The film consists of a split-screen, the artist’s dad on the left and the artist himself on the right.  What starts as a simple idea for a film piece has been developed beautifully by the artist to create a complex and very engaging short film.  On the left you see Patel’s father begin to explain what his employment involves and he gives a tour of the work premise and machinery which he uses.  On the right you see the artist mimic perfectly each movement and spoken word from his father, emphasising the title and the pressure that may be upon the son of the family to follow in his father’s footsteps.  Again this is a piece which explores identity and what impact being associated to multiple cultures can have on an individual.  The preparation for this piece has clearly paid off and this film only works as well as it does due to the artist’s high standards.  The space which the artist has used to mimic his father’s movements, has been calculated precisely so that he can walk the same number of steps, turn and move in the same way without being confronted with a wall or obstacle or even having to compromise movements due to having a lack of space.  For anyone that is interested in art that requires a precise methodical approach, I would strongly recommend seeing this film so that you can appreciate the artist’s efforts fully.  Overall it is a strong piece and Hetain Patel is one to look out for in the future.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995 Harminder Singh-Judge includes a sculpture piece in the \”home\” exhibition entitled ‘Madonna & Child’.  The sculpture consists of an ape cradling a baby ape with a white neon circle surrounding them.  Controversial in its content and with the use of this particular title, Harminder Singh-Judge is clear to make a point and not be afraid at stating it with volume.  Madonna and Child are normally seen as pictorial representations of Mary with the infant Jesus.  Mary being seated and seen holding the baby Jesus is a typical representation produced during the 15th Century in Florence where Roman Catholicism is still strongly followed today.  Where Roman Catholicism focuses on spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, here the artist presents us with Darwinism and challenges the idea of religion and how it shapes society.  Representations during the 15th Century of this nature where usually symbolised with the Passion of Christ emphasising the suffering both physical and mental that Christ endured.  The fact that the artist chose this particular representation of Mary and the infant Jesus, may be linked to the connections of the Jesus suffering and highlights how we as people are in fact suffering and have no God to turn to as a saviour.  It tackles ideas of existential nihilism and plays with notions of meaning and purpose.  This could be a revelation from the artist that we are not dictated by religion, but we are in fact responsible for our own lives and should act in accordance.  It is clear that the artist wishes to raise questions over aspects of people’s lives that give them comfort and challenge their views.  This piece has been created through a process of the artist questioning his identity, heritage and personal experiences of different cultures and gives insight into the struggles which can occur from being linked to a strong religious background.   This exhibition successfully entices the viewer to sample pieces of the artist’s personal experiences of life, personal development and fitting into a particular society or culture whilst remaining sympathetic towards others.  The selection of works in this exhibition allows the viewer to see different perspectives and understanding towards Asian culture without it being presented in a biased manner.  For those looking to challenge their views, or gain a better understanding of Asian culture and identity, this exhibition is a must see and notable as being one of Airspace’s best exhibitions.By Stacey Booth... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/383995