listings

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: Fashion

Isabella Blow by Mario Testino.

This autumn, Somerset House, in partnership with the Isabella Blow Foundation and Central Saint Martins, presents Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore!, a major fashion exhibition celebrating the extraordinary life and wardrobe of the late British patron of fashion and art. The exhibition will showcase over a hundred pieces from her incredibly rich collection, one of the most important private collections of late 20th Century/early 21st Century British fashion design, now owned by Daphne Guinness. This includes garments from the many designer talents she discovered and launched, such as Alexander McQueen, Philip Treacy, Hussein Chalayan and Julien Macdonald. Curated by Alistair O’Neill with Shonagh Marshall and designed by award-winning architectural firm Carmody Groarke, with installations by celebrated set designer Shona Heath, the exhibition will display thematically the breadth of Isabella’s collection, a life lived through clothes.

Isabella Blow, 2002 by Diego Uchitel.

Tickets: £12.50, Concessions £10, half price Mondays
Opening times can be found here.

Category: Art

Hosted by Printer of Dreams, this evening promises to be a showcase for the new, the weird and the wonderful. Head down to discover the beautifully surreal photographic duo Newshine, the positively absurdist illustrations of Tony Johnson, the bold constellations of photographer Charlie Morgan Smith and the Dune-esque sci-fi cool of designer Joseph Melhuish. Also expect to find the classy pulp fiction illustrations of Edward Tuckwell and the desolate landscapes of photographer Luke Banks. 

Play Hard by Tony Johnson.

The aim of the evening is to bring new talent to as wide an audience as possible. The chosen artists showcase the incredible variety of art currently being produced on the printing press, and the event promises to be a celebration of great affordable art, with prints for both the experienced collector and those buying their first piece.

Floating Pyramids by Joseph Melhuish.

Alongside giclee prints there will be Limited Edition T-shirts by artist Harry Bix, hand-stitched books and plenty of mulled cider to wash it all down. The Amwell Print Fair runs in conjunction with the Amwell Late Night Shopping evening. 

Category: Fashion

Christmas baubles by Reiko Kaneko.

Dalston Christmas Market will take place in Dalston Square and surrounding streets on Sunday 1st December 2013 and offers a vibrant, contemporary alternative to more traditional ‘German style’ Christmas markets. The one day event, featuring artisans, artists, fashion and jewellery designers, leather designers, ceramicists, and card makers, will include a live stage featuring music, comedy and performances by local choirs – see full details below. Food and drink stalls – with and without a Christmas twist – will also feature.

Jessica Russell Flint bear cushion.

Lucy Loves This, Hackney print.

Participants include a vast array of creative talent with more than half of the stallholders being from the local area. This includes celebrated ceramicist Reiko Kaneko with specially designed Christmas ornaments, Fee Fee La Fou’s curiosities and confectionary from Dalston, typographical printed goods from Lucy Loves This, and skateboards upcycled into serving platters from Chubba Art & Design. There is also a strong children’s presence with cool sustainable clothing from The Fableists, illustrated mugs, prints & books by Eight Bear and Swiss-themed cards, small gifts & height charts from Madame Chalet. There will also be a food and drink area including gourmet sandwiches from Franchini & Friends, iconic British fayre from What The Dickens, Southern American street food from Anna Mae’s Mac & Cheese and the family run Big Tree Cider company.

Youchka, Swans in Silver & Gold.

There will also be a stage organised by City Showcase, the year round not-for-profit festival of new music. Up and coming bands and artists will be interspersed with local school and community choirs. Performers include up and coming singer/songwriters, Akayzia, Tom Tyler and Felix Pallas, breaking band The Worry Dolls and pop act Class A. Choirs include London Fields Choir, Lauriston School Choir, Rushmore Choir and Millfields Choir performing their charity single.

Monster Threads, cat melamine plate.

Businesses in the local area supporting Dalston Christmas Market include sponsor Cafe Route, art studios The Chocolate Factory, and Dalston Eastern Curve Gardens. CLR James Library will be hosting free workshops including ‘Make your own Christmas’ cards and join a choir and perform on stage at the event. The market presents the perfect trading platform for innovative goods, food and crafts made by the next generation of designers and artists for which the London borough of Hackney including Dalston and the surrounding areas of Hoxton, Shoreditch and Stoke Newington are heralded. This family day out will appeal to anyone wanting to enjoy an alternative Christmas shopping experience in Dalston.

Category: Art

Sue Kreitzman at home.

You saw Fab Fashionistas on telly the other day, right? If you did you were no doubt as amazed as I by the women that were featured, who have not let age stand in the way of creativity and a lust for life: they are a lesson for us all. The youngest featured was Sue Kreitzman, who well into her 70s is making and curating the Outsider Art that she discovered late in life, after a successful career as an author of low fat cook books. She has teamed up with The Arts Project director Peter Herbert to create a major new Outsider Art exhibition, EPIPHANIES! Secrets of Outsider Art, which follows on from the pair’s previous exhibitions WOW, Flashier & Trashier and Dare to Wear at the Novas and St Pancras Crypt Galleries. Should be good!

Pink Mona Lisa by Joe Gagliano.

Kali by John William.

'Outsider Art is a movement of untrained artists with a burning desire and passion for expression that features art of an obsessive nature. Often this involves collecting debris shaped to express the inner thoughts and feelings of the creator. Some artists may suffer from mental health issues, others simply have no interest in conventional art practice.

EPIPHANIES! will explore a range of different sources of Outsider Art, using case history text to explore the dynamics of each artist. The exhibition will be a wonderful insight into this fascinating world, bringing together up to 20 local and international Outsider Artists. Many of the artists will be presenting work for the first time in London and there will be participation from art groups linked to the Camden and Islington Foundation Trust such as Isledon Road Creativity Centre, which encourages creative practice amongst its residents with mental health issues.'

Preview: Wed 25th Sept 2013, 5.30-8.30pm
Join the Facebook event here.

Opening times: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday and Sunday by appointment only