Events

Gallery 37

Gallery 37 - Over 55s Project

24 - 28 August 2005

Venue: Ikon Gallery, Oozells Square, Brindleyplace
http://

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GALLERY 37 STORY

The results of work by Gallery 37’s project for over 55s, ‘The Other Side of the Story’, is about to go on show at the IKON gallery and is likely to hold as many surprises for the viewer as it did for those making the work.

Following last year’s very successful pilot, sixteen people joined this year’s programme, working for three weeks with two professional artists to explore creative writing and printmaking.

John Hammersley, one of the artists leading the activity, said: “People often hold assumptions about what art projects with an older age group should consist of, this project challenges many of those assumptions. It is not about reminiscence or nostalgia, it has instead been an exploration of storytelling, using the imagination, with found objects acting as an initial stimulus.

“The energy within the group and the real commitment to trying new approaches to writing and print-making has made for a very exciting few weeks. Although some of the participants had practical experience of visual arts, printmaking is not an art form that is always easily accessible and it is quite demanding. The group’s willingness to throw themselves into all aspects of the visual and written work has led them in some surprising directions and, as will be seen at the IKON gallery, the results are very compelling.”

Developed in partnership with the IKON Gallery, Tindal Street Press and University of Central England, ‘The Other Side of the Story’ used two exhibitions at the IKON Gallery as a starting point for the group’s work. Max Klinger’s exhibition of atmospheric, narrative prints and Kristina Baumgarten’s large scale, abstract prints led participants to investigate the themes and narrative content as well as the print making process itself.

The group has divided its time between three venues this year, with work carried out at UCE in Bournville, the IKON gallery and at Gallery 37’s new home, Island House on Fazeley Street. The project was led by visual artist, John Hammersley and writer, Kavita Bhanot.

Andrew Ormston, Assistant Director, Arts at Birmingham City Council said: “Gallery 37 has a very widely held reputation for the high standard of arts training that it has been delivering in the city since 1998. The work it began last year with this older age group looks set to build on that reputation. The exhibition at the IKON Gallery combines genuinely thought provoking written work and some very striking and imaginative prints.”

The exhibition opens at 3pm on Wednesday 24th August and runs until Sunday 28th August. Results of the work can also be seen on Friday 26th August at Island House on Fazeley Street from 8pm until 10pm. For further information please call Gallery 37 on 0121 633 7997.

For further information please contact: Helen Tomkins / Pat Dixon on 0121 633 7997