listings

Category: Art

German artist Silke Otto-Knapp’s new exhibition, Monday or Tuesday at the Camden Arts Centre, takes its name from a short story by Virgina Woolf, published in 1921. Her translucent paintings are inspired by literature, dance, landscape and cultural history, evoked in gouache and watercolour that are washed away in layers to reveal forms beneath. Fugitive figures emerge to engage the active participation of the viewer in these atmospheric and ambiguous artworks. Silke Otto-Knapp’s exhibition is accompanied by a season of dance events, learn more at this link.

About Silke Otto-Knapp
Silke Otto-Knapp was born in Osnabrück, Germany in 1970. She trained at the University of Hildesheim and at Chelsea College of Art and Design, London. Otto-Knapp moved to London in 1995 and had a solo exhibition in Art Now, Tate Britain in 2005 and at Modern Art Oxford in 2009.

Opening times:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10am-6pm
Wednesdays late: 10am–9pm
Closed Mondays

Category: Art

The much-loved Crafty Fox Market returns to The Dogstar in Brixton on 26th & 27th April. Each day sees a whole new set of designer makers setting up shop in the atmospheric pub venue. Traders were selected by guest curator, David Nicholls, Design Editor of the Telegraph Magazine.

Shoppers can satisfy their creative appetites with screen-printing workshops led by Mr Wingate, and quench their thirsts with a pint in the bar or tea and cake by The Tea’s Knees in the tea room, consumed amid a soundtrack of live DJ sets. Climb the stairs to the 2nd floor to discover fresh creative talent taking part in the new ‘Crafty Fox Uncovered’ section of the market, a bespoke area for those who are new to market trading. Look out for…..

Sabrina Kaici (Saturday 26 April) is a French artist living in London. She produces artworks using a technique called pointillism, using tiny dots to form whole pieces.

Duck Ceramics (Saturday 26 April). Fine art graduate Alice makes quirky, wonky, beautiful ceramics for the home from her London studio.

Hairy Jayne (Sunday 27 April). Jayne is a hairdresser who brews her own range of products with her own fair hands at a studio in Brixton, south London. Inspired by traditional hair care remedies used worldwide, the range is made from naturally derived ingredients which are specifically hair friendly and get the best results.

The Wandering Castle (Sunday 27 April – Crafty Fox Uncovered). Laura Vanderslott started making silver jewellery through evening courses in her spare time and it soon became her passion. She makes silver and gold plated jewellery. Individual pieces are designed to be layered together.

Entry is free and children are welcome. Doors open at 11am on both days with goodies for the early birds. You can browse the full selection of traders taking part for Saturday 26 April here and Sunday 27 April here.

Category: Art

Quentin Blake is one of the most well known and well loved illustrators working today. Since 2000 he has continued to illustrate books but has also found himself producing illustration for the walls of museums, hospitals and other public spaces. In this talk he describes some of his projects, both from the point of view of the challenges involved and from that of the feelings and reactions of the people who encounter them.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to hear a brilliant artist talk about his work. Join Quentin Blake at the Southbank Centre for only £20.

Category: Art

Romany artist Delaine LeBas exposes the hidden history of UK Gypsies, in a new exhibition at the Phoenix Brighton gallery. With a reputation across Europe for work that confronts stereotypes and addresses issues around the outsider in society, it is fitting that Delaine LeBas’ first major solo UK show draws our attention to the little known treatment of Gypsies closer to home.

In the first half of the 20th century the British Government built makeshift compounds in the New Forest to contain Gypsy families. At Phoenix Arts in Brighton Delaine LeBas will recreate and occupy her own version of these compounds in an immersive installation made up of her own hand printed and embroidered textiles and costumes alongside photography, film and archival material. Two glass and metal lanterns from the collection of Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford serve as the central metaphor and catalyst for this new body of work. Resembling similar lamps from India, these ones were made in the New Forest and remind the artist of the ‘magic lantern’ shows her grandmother and great uncles recounted from their childhood in Hampshire. These artefacts will be brought back to life through Delaine’s stories, performances and activities.

Delaine LeBas is a UK based artist from a Romany background. Although only beginning to become known in Britain she has shown in France, Baltimore USA, at the 2005 and 2007 Prague Biennales. Her work featured prominently in the first Roma pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2007 and in Korea’s Gwangju Biennale. Her work has recently been seen at Galerie Giti Nourbaksch, Berlin and at Galleria Sonia Rosso, Turin. Unusually for an artist considered to be an ‘Outsider’ she is a graduate of Central Saint Martins and West Sussex College of Art and Design.

By it's very nature Delaine LeBas’ work is both intensely personal and deeply political, informed by her gypsy background and dealing with issues of exclusion, untold stories and stereotypes that are ingrained into the human consciousness. Delaine explains ‘As a Romany, my viewpoint has always been that of the outsider and this position of the 'other' is reflected in the materials and messages within my work. We live in a culture of mixed values and garbled messages. My works are crafted from the disregarded and disparate objects of the car boot sale and the charity shop. A bricollage of materials. Employing the materials of everyday, all formed together in a manner that allows them to be precious yet reclaimed.’

Opening times: Wed – Sun, 11am – 5pm, Late openings: Fri 16th & Sat 17th May until 9 pm
Find out more about her upcoming exhibition at this link.

Category: Art

Jerwood Open Forest – Adam James.

Jerwood Open Forest is a new initiative which seeks to contribute to a national conversation; investigating how contemporary visual artists engage with the environment today. The new initiative from Jerwood Visual Arts in partnership with Forestry Commission England, examines the potential found in the exploration of art and the environment. 

Jerwood Open Forest – Juan delGado.

The multi-sensory group exhibition charts the research and development of five selected projects. Juan delGado, Adam James, Amanda Loomes, artist duo Semiconductor (Ruth Jarman and Joe Gerhadt) and Chris Watson collaborating with producer Iain Pate, have each expanded on the concept of their ambitious proposals, to produce diverse and exciting new bodies of work.

Jerwood Open Forest – Semiconductor.

Visitors to the exhibition will be immersed in the soundscape of a Raven roost through, Chris Watson and Iain Pate's surround sound installation. Semiconductor blend art and science with sculptural film installations, inspired by data gathered in and around Forestry Commission England's woodland sites. Amanda Loomes will show four films, which explore the process of forestry, and the people involved. Adam James presents a series of performances, created through Live Action Roleplay (LARP), a continuation of his research and development period in Sherwood Pines Forest. Juan delGado reacts to his personal phenomenological experience of the forest with an audio-sensory film installation. 

Opening times: Monday – Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-3pm. 
Nearest Tube: Southwark, London Bridge, Borough
Find out more here.

Category: Art

A Marvellous Spread is a pop-up feasting event hosted by the ceramic sculptor Lindsey Mendick at the Sheffield based gallery, S1 Artspace. Mendick’s practice is greatly inspired by the garishly saturated and overzealous 1970s cookbooks of her childhood. Her ceramic work amalgamates a love of popular culture with a deep respect for the nostalgic, exploring themes ranging from the ostentatious decorative recipes of Mary Berry to outlandish 1980s textile design.

Zig a zig ah 2013, Lindsey Mendick.

Still life of lobster 2014, Lindsey Mendick.

For this one off event, Lindsey Mendick will be hosting a truly grandiose banquet, cooking (with the help of her mother) the most extravagant and gaudy recipes from 1970’s cookbooks. Guests will be welcomed on arrival with a Pina Colada reception and sent into the night with a DIY disco. Join the facebook event here.

Heaven's Mouth 2014, Lindsey Mendick.

Todd 2014, Lindsey Mendick.

Category: Art

The New Artist Fair is dedicated to helping artists exhibit their artwork affordably in Central London locations and is entirely non-judgmental about who exhibits. It began in Wilkes Street E1 with 20 artists and at their next event in the Candid Art Galleries behind Angel Tube Station 50 emerging artists from all over the world will exhibit.

Co-founder Oliver explains: 'Numerous artists who have exhibited with us have gone on to hold their own solo shows, been offered gallery representation, sold many paintings and gained the right to call themselves professional artists. We truly believe art should be accessible to all and the New Artist Fair provides that opportunity for emerging artists and art buyers alike so come find your perfect painting!'

It's bound to be a mixed bag but why not visit? It's free and you might just uncover something wonderful. Below is an example of work I think looks promising…

Becky Allen: Becky is a recent graduate from the Royal College of Art. Her work is characterised by intricate line drawings of the things we cannot see. With extreme detail and a fascination of the close-up, she looks beyond that which is visible and presents another way of seeing.

Opening Reception: Friday 28th March: 6pm -9pm
Weekend Hours: Saturday 29th March: 12pm – 6pm & Sunday 30th March: 12pm – 6pm

Category: Music

Fire in the Mountain festival (Tan Yn Y Mynydd in Welsh!) initially came together because a group of friends fell in love with a beautiful old farm in Mid Wales. The owner of the farm kept some horses and a local lad some pigs, and both thought a wonderful way of sharing the farm and getting some more use out of it would be to host a small annual event. Thus, the gathering was born. Now a registered not-for-profit organisation, the Festival is staffed completely voluntarily, and raises money to help maintain and renovate the beautiful farm on which it is set. The landscape sets the tone of the festival – set up as half camp and half festival, it's about spending a weekend in a beautiful part of the country with friends and some good ol' fashioned music and ale.

Now in it's fourth year, Fire in the Mountain has gone all out and booked their favourite band in the world to headline the festival. To those in the know The Foghorn Stringband (Portland, Oregon, USA) are the finest exponents of Appalachian Old Time Music – with a career spanning over 15 years and 10 albums. Their authenticity is a massive inspiration to thousands of musicians across the globe. To the uninitiated – it's simply ass-kicking red-neck hillbilly dance music.

Fire in the Mountain Festival seeks to present a balanced line up of folk, roots and acoustic music – booking funkier artists not always recognised by the mainstream music establishment. You'll find Welsh Language arists, Cajun, Breton, Appalachian, English Folk, Celtic, African Roots Music, and all sorts. Joining the bill this year as headliners are Martha Tilston and the Scientists, John Smith, Mik Artistik (Leeds), Fernhill (Wales), Sheelanagig (Bristol), and even a spot of indie with Gulp.

In addition to music you'll find a host of activities and workshops on offer, including family activities, free music and dance workshops in the Trad Academy Yurt and Healing Field, fresh pizza from handmade Cob Ovens, wood fired saunas and hot tubs… all washed down with lovely local ales and Welsh Mountain Cider.

The campsite is open from 30th May – 1st June, so why not make the most of the beautiful environment and explore the Cambrian Mountains. Find out more at www.fireinthemountain.co.uk, where you can watch a short video showcasing the stunning location.

Category: Earth

Experience a Decadent & Fascinating Chocolate Tour of London! Historical media company Unreal City Audio have teamed up with purveyor of luxury flavoured chocolate Cocoa Hernando to produce this whirlwind tour, which would make a very special alternative Valentines treat. Described by the Guardian as 'fascinating', the 90-minute tour is led by charismatic young London historian Dr Matthew Green, author and presenter of UCA’s critically acclaimed Coffeehouse Tour, and there’ll be a supporting cast of Aztec slaves, Spanish conquistadors, nihilistic dukes and rakish gamblers hidden along the route. Their performances will be set to beautiful violin music from the era.

Dr Green has uncovered some mouthwatering recipes for 17th and 18th-century hot chocolate, the most extravagant of which — Monsieur St Disdier’s Baroque Chocolate (1692) — will be served on the tour, courtesy of Cocoa Hernando. Shot through with a concoction of exotic spices, it will be a mind-blowing cup of hot chocolate.

The next tours will be held on Friday 14th February (18:00pm) & Saturday 15th March (11:30am) & for more information about the event and how to book your ticket head here. Read more about Cocoa Hernando in my interview with founder Paul Tomlinson here.

Category: Art

Must see arts festival Pick Me Up returns for the fifth year running, featuring more late nights and an even wider range of illustration and design, from fashion and architectural drawing to comic books and album covers. Here's a brief taster of what will be happening:

Rastamouse creators Michael de Souza and Genevieve Webster will be leading children’s drawing workshops.

Judith Kerr (creator of the Mog series and The Tiger Who Came To Tea) will be hosting an ‘in conversation’ event with her art director Ian Craig.

Fabulous and much loved cartoonist Gemma Correll will be running a day inspired by her inimitable portrayals of animals.

Skylark, Matt Lyon at Colour Box.

Hot Dog, Steven Wilson at Unlimited.

Woolly Bear, Julia Pott.

Fashion is finally in focus this year! Hurrah!

Meet art director and animator Jo Ratcliffe, who drew and directed the animation in Lady Gaga’s ‘Applause’ video.

Fashion illustrator Daisy de Villeneuve (she of the ubiquitous funky felt-tip illustrations), will be leading a day of drop-in fashion focused fun.

Fashion artist and author Jason Brooks will be running a day of workshops.

Aso Oke, Kitty McCall at Unlimited.

Melons On My Mind, Lynnie Zulu.

New for 2014 is Pick Me Up Radio presented by Comms Bureau, which will stream live from Somerset House. With specially invited DJs, interviews and take-over days, festivalgoers will be able to see the radio broadcasts being put together live and listen online remotely. Furthermore for the first time, Pick Me Up is collaborating with signature skate brand DC Shoes to commission t-shirts from ten artists to be exclusively launched and sold at the festival. The dazzling designers involved include former Pick Me Up Select and professional doodler Hattie Stewart (read our interview here) and Andy Rementer (who we have also interviewed here), whose colourful and vibrant work has been featured through a variety of platforms including MTV, Urban Outfitters and Warner Brothers.

Clogs, Hvass & Hannibal at Outline Artists.

Sundance, Jessica Das at Outline Artists.

Moondance, Jessica Das at Outline Artists.

This, and much much more, including work by Outline Artists illustrators, who will present a jungle-themed showcase of prints, original artwork and wall murals created especially for the fair, including magical forest landscapes by Hvass&Hannibal, psychedelic jungle scenes by Pick Me Up Select Edward Carvalho-Monaghan plus extravagant jungle flora and fauna 3D collages by Kristjana S Williams. All work will be available to buy from just £40.

Lear 10, Kristjana S Williams at Outline Artists.

Kids, Ed Monaghan at Outline Artists.

Opening times: 10.00 – 18.00, late night Thursdays and Fridays until 22.00, Day tickets £10, concessions £8, Festival Pass £17.50. Buy your tickets here. Find out more about the event here.

Read my reviews of the 2013 Pick Me Up here and here to whet your appetite.