Future exhibitions

Scratch Below
16-21 July 2019
Private View: Thursday 18 July 6-9pm

A diverse and distinct group representing several styles and approaches to art and design, make this show innovative and contemporary. What gathers the group is having worked together within the realms of creative exploration for the year. Each with our own life and artistic experience, plus baggage and nonsense, to bring to the table. Traversing the traditional and with a calling card of eclecticism, (Whaaat-how did that get in there...) ultimately providing a platform of styles and mediums including illustration, painting, print, photography, sculpture, mixed media, installation and audio.

Incorporating the ephemeral, natural, unconventional and whimsical, it's a world of possibilities where conversation is encouraged. Aesthetically pleasing, emotionally intelligent, ambiguous, ambitious and downright suspicious, or at least descriptively 'dodgy', could be said of some work. And why not? What are we, if not best able to express through 'art'. Naturally it's up to you, the viewer as interpreter, to take from it what you will.

May I ask then? Are you sitting comfortably, or is something a little amiss? If so, please feel free to Scratch Below...

Andy Whitson, Anna Horeglad, John Gosnell, Mariam Rahim,
MJ Fontaine, Paulo Dac, Pawla, Sarah Hinton, Shirley Neighbour,
Sophie Meyer, Susanna Williams, Wendy Scott

Curated by Lara Hailey

Twist & Turn
23-28 July 2019
Private View: Tuesday 23 July 6.30 - 8.30pm

Twist & Turn is an exhibition which showcases the work of students on the two-year City Lit Basketry course. It illustrates the broad range of techniques and materials that the students have used. Techniques include stake and strand, twining, plaiting and coiling. Materials include willow, rush, cane, raffia, various twines and yarns and more contemporary materials such as wire, card and papers.

The work displayed has been produced in response to an individual theme chosen by the student, which has allowed them to explore areas of personal interest.

The group of students is known collectively as The Basketeers and can be found on Instagram @the13basketeers. They are:

Lisa Atkin, Lucy Bampton, Greet Blom, Selena Chandler, Jill Eatherden,
Deb Hart, Debbie Khan, Gepher Louis, Selina Macarthur, Pip Rice,
Felicity Truscott, Michelle Van Der Knaap, Di Wu.

The exhibition is kindly supported by The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers and The Basketmakers’ Association.

Opening hours for this exhibition
Tues - Sat 11am - 7pm
Sun 11am - 3pm

Urban Angles
30 July - 11 August 2019
Private View: Thursday 1 August 6-9pm

Urban Angles – Exploring the ever-changing spirit of the city.

The artistic heritage of a city is created and shaped by the artists who live and work there. Urban Angles reveals the city as a hub which enables the cross-pollination of multiple ideas and cultures.

In the same way that the city provides each individual with the anonymity to be themselves, Urban Angles offers each artist within the collective, the opportunity to present and express their unique and individual perspective of the urban environment.

Images of structure, geometry, reflection, shadow, intrigue and transience provide the essence for the exhibition. As with other Espacio exhibitions, all the artists are actively involved with the gallery and many will be available each day for a friendly chat about their work.

We invite you to join us on a fascinating journey of discovery revealing the artists' unique experiences of the city as site, subject and inspiration for their work.

Moich Abrahams, Kanwal Dhaliwal, Geraldo Frazao, Kirsi K,
Marc Martyr, Noriko Michigami, Rosana Miracco, Amravati Mitchell,
Alice Richards, Jack Smith, Carole Thomas, Martini Yoganini

Curated by Carlos de Lins

Addressing the Situation
A production by Mandy Webb
12-18 Aug 2019

This collection of work started in 2012 with the Red Ribbon Dress.
'The dress became my new canvas' 2014.

It is a collection of the autobiographical, i.e pieces, (dresses) that have been inspired from the beginning of my HIV Positive diagnosis, showing the vulnerability of the Hospital Gown to the later empowering 'Shield Maidens'. It is a journey from where I was in 2002 to where I am now and how I have used that experience.

It is a collection celebrating Women that have been great achievers, whether this was in the arts or in political struggles, women that didn't get the same recognition as their male counterparts. Women that through sheer fortitude have left us a wealth of creative masterpieces and information, even if we do sometimes have to dig deep for it. They are all part of 'Herstory' and continue to inspire the work that I do.

It is also a collection that raises issues such as the Luxury Tax, the money we pay for necessities i.e female sanitary products and I have made my own 'Luxury Collection' using said products. Also about the effects of Austerity and how many have died due to the cruel work capability assessments and sanctions within the benefits system.
It is about social injustice, or maybe it's about injustice all round!

The show was first seen in Bristol in 2015. Many more pieces have been added since then and it continues to evolve and grow.

Curated by Mandy Webb.

Impressions
27 August - 1 September 2019
Private View: Thursday 29 August 6-9pm

Most things in our hectic modern lives go unnoticed while only a few will leave a profound and lasting impression.

The exhibition explores how artists have used a variety of different media to convey the influence and Impressions left on their psyche by their subject matter.

Curated by Carlos de Lins

Free Up the Mind
3-8 September 2019
Private View: Thursday 5 September 6-9pm

Free Up the Mind is inspired by the freedom attained by the artist by letting the mind wander. The journey to artistic expression can be mesmerising and liberating.

The exhibition offers each artist the opportunity to present and express their unique perspectives on Free Up the Mind. From Abstract to Figurative Art, artists use a variety of media such as watercolours, oils, inks, photography, mixed media and fused glass.

As with other Espacio exhibitions, all artists are actively involved with the gallery and many will be available each day for a friendly chat about their work.

Eva Edery, Jonathan Dean, Stephen Harvey, Amravati Mitchell,
Fabiola Retamozo, Carole Thomas, Sara Wickenden

Curated by Eva Edery & Carole Thomas

The Drawn Chorus Collective
17-23 August 2020

Drawn Chorus is a collective of illustrators creating original exhibitions with a twist of something a little special.

It all began with 19 illustrators aiming to show original and affordable work with that little something extra. Our shows aim to draw you into our fantastical and unique world and we won't stop until we do!

With new, up and coming talent, together, our works create a fabulous, melodic whole. We are the Drawn Chorus!

Curated by Alex Moore