Past exhibitions 2016

Outside-In
19-23 December 2016

Private View: Wednesday 21 December 6-9pm

A show of limited edition affordable artists’ prints. 16 printmakers bringing the outside world in.

Andy Wilx, Emma Reynolds, Steve Edwards, Paul Hogg,
Lynne Blackburn, Robert Pugh, Judith Symons, Maggie Henton,
Caroline Whitehead, Eliza Southwood, Kath Edwards, Paul Munden,
Ann Norfield, Claire Mont Smith, Lydie Gallais, Rachel Bream

Opening hours:
Open daily from 11am - 7pm

Perspectives
13-18 December 2016

Private View: Thursday 15 December 6-9pm

The notion of perspective may be applied in more than one way in terms of art. Technically speaking, perspective in painting has been used since antiquity and later on rediscovered in Renaissance Italy. It is a tool which helps the artist give the illusion of a three dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. Byzantine iconographers, on the other hand, used inverted perspective where the vanishing point is not somewhere in the far distance but the viewer themselves.  The viewer experiences the image from their own standpoint; so to speak.

This notion of standpoint or point of view brings to mind the evolution art and the artist’s role in Western society. Presently more than ever in the history of art each artist’s personal experience of the world is of paramount interest and importance. This offers a plethora of possibilities and an artistic freedom, albeit at times daunting, in the realisation of ones vision.

Perspectives is a vibrant exhibition presented by a group of national and international artists. Each artist creates art through their own personal prism.  Their themes range from the personal to the seeking of the universal. Their styles, materials and techniques vary but all offer us a unique artistic expression and strive to show us the world from their own unique perspective. 

Richard Harris, Raymond Isaac, Philip Leevers,
Keren Meguira, Irini Urania Politi, Fabiola Retamozo,
Paul Kingsley Squire, Maria Vesterinen

Organised by Carlos de Lins
► Press Release

Shifting States
29 November - 11 December 2016

Private View: Thursday 1 December 6-9pm

The condition of liminality is a state of transition, of suspension on the threshold between one place, time or state of mind and another.  It involves ambiguity, uncertainty and the dissolution of order: identities and outcomes are thrown into doubt. It speaks of borderlands, faultlines and indeterminate places.   

This intriguing concept exerts a strong pull for the artists in this exhibition. Their processes  involve entering a state of flux in which the destination is initially unknown. The overt subject  might be a time, a place or a psychological state – or all of the above.
 
The exhibition features painting, print, photography, film, installation and sculpture.

Richard Brayshaw, Deborah Burnstone, Janet Curley Cannon,
Robert Fitzmaurice, Nick Hazzard, Maria-Lena Hedberg, Stephanie Herbert,
Alison Lumb, Maureen Nathan, Rosey Prince, Ann Simberg, Sally Tyrie,
Jim Vernon, Erika Wengenroth, Edward Winters

Organised by Carlos de Lins

Unbound
22-27 November 2016

Private View: Thursday 24 November 6-9pm

Espacio Gallery presents a group of young artists making early transitions in their careers, encouraged to unleash their creativity on the world.

Creativity is a free spirit. It can be nurtured, supported, guided and developed. But it thrives best without restrictions and is at it's strongest without limitations; when all rules are relaxed, bindings are cut and obstacles removed, a visceral creative energy is allowed to flow freely and truly from the soul.  

Come and see if you can spot the next Emin, Hirst or Ofili. We've got one or two ideas. Let's see if you agree.

Ellora Torcia, Lola Michaels, Tom Cox, Billy Riley, Abigail Chapman,
Miranda Pissarides, Benson Walker Chen, Mitch Vincent Earley,
Shakira Walker Allen, Robyn Eve Flynn Earley, Tonatiuh Bieletto Trejo,
Elliot Willicome-Lang, Claire Andersen Frank, Frances Willoughby, Gwil Hughes

Curated, sponsored and supported by Renee Rilexie and Tomas Amare
► Press Release

28th Annual Exhibition
London Independent Photography
15-20 November 2016


This year, London Independent Photography is celebrating its 28th Annual Exhibition. Each year this is the highlight of our organisation’s calendar - a must-see event for anyone in London and from further afield fascinated by or practicing in the art of photography.

The exhibition, showcasing 90 unique prints from more than 70 photographers, demonstrates the extraordinary diversity, breadth of talent, and craft for personal expression within the London Independent Photography membership.

For the first time in the exhibition’s history we also invited members to submit photo publications for inclusion in the show. The selectors chose four titles from a unique collection of 12 handmade books, zines, limited edition and short print-run books, demonstrating the diversity of photographic practice in the group.

Our independent selectors this year were Max Houghton, senior lecturer in photography at London College of Communication, previous judge for the Firecracker Awards, and named among the top 50 industry professionals by Featureshoot; Melanie King, alternative photographer and founder of the London Alternative Photography Collective; and Michelle Sank, senior lecturer in photography at Falmouth University, and who has exhibited and published her work widely including in The Guardian, The Observer and The Telegraph.

Sam Tanner, Sabes Sugunasabesan, Quentin Ball, Peter Jennings,
Christiane Zschommler, Carole Rawlinson, Peter Spurgeon, Robert Davies,
Vanja  Karas, Duncan Unsworth, Clare Park, Debbie Williams (Green),
Anita Chandra, Mandy Williams, Celine Marchbank, Astrid Schulz,
Caroline Fraser, Natalie  Robinson, Anne  Clements, Rashida Mangera,
Edith Templeton, Jean Penders, Genevieve  Stevenson, Kathryn Geels,
Roger Ford, Behzad Vanja, James Berrington, Geoff Titley,
Mark Chase-Brown, Andres Pantoja, Simon Hadleigh-Sparks, Paul Bate,
Katie Waggett, James Kirkland, Tamsin  Green, Amanda Eatwell,
Anna Hindocha, Maggie  Railton, Sofia Milsom, Colleen Harvey, David Bevan, Darius Nikbin, Benjamin Szabo, Steve Ferrier, William Christie, Jan Cylwik,
Sonia Davda, Warwick Hemingway, Joerg Karrenbauer, Eva Bachmann,
Alex Sorenti, Gavin Freeborn

Curated by Max Houghton, Michelle Sank, Melanie King

About London Independent Photography
London Independent Photography is a community organisation for amateur and professional photographers. It was formed July 29, 1987, and what began as a small group of 26 founder members conducting workshops, now provides a diverse range of activities for almost 400 members, and has grown to be an established member of the arts community. Our activities – including an annual exhibition, annual lecture series, triannual magazine, workshops and other special-interest events - are designed to bring together photographers with different interests and levels of expertise who wish to develop their personal approach to photography, improve their skills and gain recognition for their work.
► Press Release

ESPACIO ORIGINAL PRINT FAIR 2016
1-13 November 2016

Private view: Thursday 3 November 6-9pm
Print in Progress: Printmaking demonstrations Sunday 6 November 1-5pm

Featuring the work of 17 printmakers. Admission free including all exhibition events.

ESPACIO PRINTMAKERS MAKE AN IMPRESSION
Espacio Gallery printmakers and invited artists will once again be filling the gallery walls in Shoreditch with an exciting and diverse array of original hand pulled prints.

The show, now in its fifth year, celebrates the art of the original print on paper and all the works are by experienced printmakers, some having recently shown at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. There is a sense of excitement, which is reflected in the work by the Espacio printmakers who are passionate about the medium in which they work and are always experimenting to produce new and innovative original art that is accessible and affordable.

Alongside the print fair there will be an education room containing a visual guide to the many different printmaking methods and at least one of the exhibiting printmakers will always be present to answer questions. On Sunday 6th November there will ‘Print in Progress’, with printmaking demonstrations during the afternoon.

“We want to share with people our enthusiasm and love for this timeless discipline, which can produce exciting contemporary art using traditional methods.” comments Zelda Eady, the show’s curator.

Rocío Alcaman, Tania Beaumont, Zelda Eady, Anne-Helen English,
Robert Fitzmaurice, Diane Comte Frost, Sally Grumbridge,
Nina Harma, Susan Jones, El Jordan, Emily Marbach,
Ann Simberg, Jane Stothert, Susie Turner, Tina Viljoen,
Liz Whiteman-Smith, Roy Willingham

Curated by Zelda Eady

Nice Nihilism
Harvey
24-30 October 2016

Private View: Thursday 27 October 6-9pm

Harvey is an outsider artist who muses on the absurdity of a dystopian humanity. His creative imagery is both thought provoking and ironic.

'As an outsider artist I make art in this age of uncertainty to explore themes and ideas that puzzle me. I think about, I study, I observe the world in all its complexity and then produce my art to understand, in a visual image, conclusions that have formed in my thoughts.

Nice Nihilism is a reflection of my thinking about the world in which we all live. With irony, humour, philosophical references, culture and symbolism I examine our identity as human beings and how we absurdly engage with the world.

I use a wide variety of diverse materials and mediums together with occasionally creating original soundscapes that explore ideas, then in turn produce works to visually stimulate my concepts.

My exhibition Nice Nihilism attempts to create art which breaks barriers and reach further to achieve self-knowledge, then to reflect onto viewers in order to stimulate question'.

Curated by Harvey
► Press Release

Royal Photographic Society
International Photobook Exhibition
18-23 October 2016

Private View: Thursday 20 October 6-9pm

The photobook has evolved to become an established art form, particularly since 2000. Exhibitions and festivals are now held in many countries across Europe, the USA, Scandinavia, the Far East and Australia/New Zealand. Most photobooks are about telling a story through a series of photographs, giving a reader an in-depth repeatable experience.

This is the first international photobook exhibition, open to all, that has been organised by the Royal Photographic Society (RPS). Submissions have been short-listed by a jury of three with international photobook experience. The 25 that passed the selection, including a winner, second and third plus one hon.mention, feature in this exhibition. All may be browsed at the gallery.
 
The winning entry is Hometowns by John Maclean, second is Entre by Arnaldo Pappalardo, third is Missing Buildings by Thom & Beth Atkinson, with a Hon.Mention given to Five Days in Northumberland with Doris by Jeff Hutchinson.
 
The authors and book titles of the 25 are:

Carlos Alba, UK, The Observation of Trifles
Thom and Beth Atkinson, UK, Missing Buildings (THIRD)
Liz Benjamin, UK, Grey 
James Berrington, UK, The Place of Home
Rossella Castello, UK, Sonder   
Ana Paula Estrada, Australia, Memorandum
Alysandra de Gonville Morrison, UK, London-Holyhead A5
Chris Gravett, UK, Gravette The Heart of Hometown America
Jeff Hutchinson, UK, Five days in Northumberland with Doris (HON.MENTION)
Kacper Kowalski, Poland, Side Effects
Antoine Leblond, France, 列車がきます (ressha ga kimasu) 
Alexandra Lethbridge, UK, The Meteorite Hunter
Beata Lyky, Germany, Protected View
John MacLean, UK, Hometowns (WINNER)
Aimée Mae, Wales, UK, Please don’t call me Vodka
Mieke klein Obbink, Netherlands, Recollected
Arnaldo Pappalardo, Brazil, Entre (SECOND)
Max Pinckers & Quinten De Bruyn, Belgium, Lotus
Rick Pushinsky, UK, Songs of Innocence and of Experience: A Study Guide
Mafalda Rakoš, Austria, I want to disappear-Approaching Eating Disorders
Robert Zhao Renhui, Singapore, Christmas Island, Naturally
Nicolas Silberfaden, France, 738
Kiki Streitberger, UK, Travelling Light
Nat Urazmetova, UK, The Persimmon’s Fruit
Mo Verlaan, Netherlands, Resonance
 
In support of the selected photobooks, 13 members of the RPS have been invited to exhibit their photographic prints in conjunction with showing their own photobook featuring the series from which these images were made.

Photographers exhibiting prints with a photobook are:

Robert Bedson, Lizzie Brown, Antionette Castro, Richard Earney, Chris Gravett, Robert Herringshaw, Mark Kelly, Keith Locke, Tom Owens, Chris Roche, Seigfried Rubbert, Brian Steptoe and Neil Wittmann
Picture
Shortlisted photobooks
Promotional Video

Human Nature
4-16 October 2016

Private View: Thursday 6 October 6-9pm
Two simple words that offer a world of interpretation.  When we speak of Human Nature do we mean the inner psyche that both determines our uniqueness and links us to others?  Or do we use the term in a wider sense to address our interraction with the natural world and our impact on the environment, both destructive and constructive?      

The artists in this show look at the natural world and how it affects and shapes our humanity, our relationships in our families and in wider society.  In this symbiotic relationship every action by Nature or Humanity leads to a change in the other; thus it is possible to link destruction of the rainforests to mental illness relating to a lack of natural light.

The interplay of natural landscapes and the ‘incarnated landscapes’ of the human form provide fertile territory for artistic investigation and exploration.

Helen Campbell, Alison Lumb, Kanwal Dhaliwal, Laurence Causse-Parsley,
Colin Bryce, Ian Hurley, Patrick Blower, Scott Weingarten, Malcolm Willett,
Renee Rilexie, Erika Wengenroth, Tina Viljoen, Ome-Coulsoom Devon,
Inma Garcia, Elke Counsel, Laurence Cammas

Artists' Info Sheet

Curated by Renee Rilexie

Wide Open
Tony Coombs and Elsie Pilbeam
28 September - 2 October 2016

Private View Tuesday 27 September 6-9pm

Paintings and drawings by Tony Coombs and Elsie Pilbeam.
100 new images from observation. London in action, landscapes far and near. Jazz and horses, cafes and mountains, goats and dancers...and much more.

"We love to draw from life. All of our work comes out of drawings & paintings made on location - we never use photographs. Sometimes the spontaneous sketch is complete in itself. At other times we explore and combine sketchbook drawings in the studio, to develop a more considered image.

We have eyes wide open to diverse places, subjects, rhythms and experiences. The activity of Dalston, where we live, is contrasted with the wild landscapes of Britain, and springtime travels to Italy & Poland. We use oils, watercolours, pastel, charcoal, in & pencil.

We have had 2 large scale exhibitions of our work – “London Spaces, Wild Places” 2001 (The Gallery, Stoke Newington) & “In The Moment” 2009 (The Rivington Gallery)."

“I am fascinated by people in their everyday and expressive activities – café conversations, meetings in parks, musicians, dancers. I aim to convey a sense of place and moment, through light, gesture, form & movement.” (Tony Coombs)

“When I am walking in wild, inaccessible places, I draw extensively in sketchbooks, make colour notes, and make paintings from them. What excites me is the flowing line of the land, the presence of animals in the natural world, and the interplay of colour, pattern & Shape.” (Elsie Pilbeam)
www.jagocreatives.com
www.massimo-casagrande.com
www.patrickmorgan.co.uk

HACKOFF!
19-25 September 2016

Private View: Thursday 22 September 6-9pm
Hackoff! is an installation and exhibition made up of a group of creatives consisting of Massimo Casagrande, Liz Wellstead, Patrick Morgan and Stephen Morgann, who effortlessly switch genres and techniques in-sync with contemporary culture and the issues surrounding them.

Jago Creatives design consultancy is made up of print and textile designer Liz Wellstead and fashion designer Massimo Casagrande. Having collaborated in last years edition of London Design Festival on a project about gentrification, they have since formed Jago Creatives and create designs for fashion, textiles, surfaces and installations, marrying creativity with function.

Patrick Morgan trained at the Royal College of Art, Patrick has worked as a commercial artist for over 15 years receiving commissions from famous designers and exclusive patrons; Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford, Chanel, Fendi, The Royal Academy of Arts, The London Olympics, and was personally commissioned to do a portrait of US Vogue Creative Director Grace Coddington.

Morgan has created major work in collaboration with Tom Ford for the English National Ballet, Ballet Russe's 'The Firebird', which was then reused to represent Art and Culture at The Mayor of London's Office for the Olympics during 2012. Morgan also designed the Justin Timberlake world tour and most recently Patrick has currently designed for Christian Dior and has just finished designing for the latest James Bond film 'Spectre'.

Stephen Morgann (born 1988, London) lives and works in London. He graduated with a degree in Fine Art from Middlesex University in 2011. His studio is based at space studios in Bow where he is a mainstay in an art fabrication practice. His clients regularly include Goshka macuga , Enrico David and others.

LAND MARKS  
13-18 September 2016

Private View: Thursday 15 September 6-9pm
Eleven artists respond to the landscape with expressive mark making.

Land Marks presents a selected group of eleven artists who explore their individual relationships and approaches to contemporary urban and rural landscape.

Expressive and varied mark making is a vital tool for the artist, demonstrated in this wide-ranging exhibition. Swift, considered, broad, energetic, graphic, thick, transparent, hard-edged, layered, textured; all these marks are used to create works which range from figurative to pure abstract. The marks are as individual as the artists themselves.

Land Marks shows the artists’ diverse responses to the environment: recollection of personal experiences, appreciation of beauty, resonance with inner consciousness, reflections of states of mind; from the big picture to small elements within it.

The works range from painting and sculpture to a variety of printing techniques, including etching, screen print and monoprint.

John Adams, Helen Benson, Margaret Crutchley, Bozena Czyz,
Raina Goran, El Jordan, Judith Moule, Clive Patterson, Jenny Price,
Jim Vernon, Cary Whitworth

Organised by Clive Patterson

Edge of Ordinary 5
30 August - 11 September 2016

Private View: 1 September 6-10 pm
Edge of Ordinary 5 is a group exhibition from critically engaged artists pushing at their practises to make new work. Visitors to the exhibition will find themes of space and place, mental and imagined, surreal and vivid. Artworks re-present the viewer with an alternative view or even experience of their notions of time and place, installation work poses familiar objects in unfamiliar arrangements, fragments that recombine to form meaning.

Work in a variety of media including ceramics, video, installation and a variety of 2D shows a versatile approach in re-imagining artist research and practise. We are pleased to include the first post graduate showing of video work by RCA graduate Jiji Kim

Charlie Dillon, Pamela Gerrie, Joanna Gilbert, Jiji Kim,
Gail Olding,Gosia Poraj, Claire Weinstock

Curated by Charlie Dillon & Gail Olding

Karl Axon: Trading Places
22-28 August 2016

Private View: Thursday 25 August 6-9pm
Trading Places, a study of people’s work and their workplace.

Trading Places is an exploration of the United Kingdom, searching from coast to coast to find faces to photograph. These portraits reflect not only the subjects inside their work space, but also the journey behind them and the steps they took to become who they are today.

For this exhibition I have travelled all over the UK photographing people with interesting trades and skills, some of the people are the last in their industry, while others are bringing their industry back to life after decades of it being dead. The characters I have captured have been around since 1920’s building up the foundations of what they do and becoming masters in their own rights.

Taking a step back from the digital world we live in today, these photographs show how people still work in a physical world, some working off the environment while others are working to save it.

With over 65 million people in the UK Trading Places is a in depth look on society’s relationship with work.

no barking aRt
biennale 2016 - Potato Eaters
16- 21 August 2016

Following its 2014 success, this 2nd no barking aRt biennale presents you a selected group of artists coming together dissecting the vision of humanity to its bones and bloods.

We hope to see you this summer with a whole new meaning of this art-gathering event.

Curated by Shizico Yi

Urban Angles
2-14 August 2016

Private View: Thursday 4 August 6-9pm
Video Performance by Heloise Bergman: Segregation in the City, 6-9pm

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

The exhibition showcases a group of national and international artists expressing their perceptions of the urban environment. Using an eclectic mix of different media, this show promises to be a fascinating journey exploring many pathways. Print, painting, illustration, graphics, photography and sculpture come together as each artist brings their own unique experiences to the collective.

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.

Mavis Barber, Terry Beard, Helen Benson, Liz Brown, Christine Calow,
Bozena Czyz, Stanislav Geissler, Laura Gompertz, Nina Harma,
Raymond Isaac, Ian Hurley, Lisa Kreuziger, Rosana Miracco,
Marina Mos, Lena Stadlen

Curated by Carlos de Lins

Video Performance during Private View
Segregation in the City by Heloise Bergman

Picture
Segregation in the City Heloise Bergman
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Peep: An insight into the work of 13 Artists
26-31 July 2016

Private View: Tuesday 26 July 6-9pm
PEEP showcases the new work of thirteen diverse artists, each with their own perspective and unique approach to a range of different subject matters.

The show, supported by the Mary Ward Centre, offers an eclectic range of work from drawing and painting to printmaking, sculpture and mixed media. It guarantees a varied collection of exciting and powerful works.

Rosie Barker, Liz Bestic, Emma B Hope, Ann Valancha Brown, Sarrah El Bushra, Christine Drummond, Lauren Lauden, Amravati Mitchell, Claire Morton,
Roland Sly, Jenny Timmer, Carole Thomas, Shirley Nette Williams

City Lit Fine Art Course Exhibition
19-24 July 2016

Private View: Thursday 21 July 6-9pm
City Lit Fine Art Course students will be exhibiting work in a variety of media on personal themes ranging from health, both physical and mental to captured moments on journeys, re-imagining  the city of Athens and  manifestations of self-image.

The exhibition represents the culmination of one year’s personal project which encourages experimentation and critical reflection.

Toshiko Banton, Linda Black, Lizzie Boyle, Keta Bradley, Deborah Crosby,
Panos Demiris, Louise French, Linda Gold, Judy Greenway, Munisha Gupta,
Maggie Hale, Joan Higgins, Aiscianna Khereddin Kdaimati, Bette Laing,
Joan Lamont, Emma Maitland, Maggie Memory, Olivia O’Sullivan, Emma Parker,
Helen Pearce, Vivien Pegram, Hermanth Rao, Kath Russell,  Tammy Smith,
Lucy Springall, Wolfgang Woerner, Emiko Yamagouchi

Curated by Chris Hough

Fetish on Display
13-17 July 2016

Private View: Wednesday 13 July 6-9pm
Fetish Week London’s art event continues to wow at Espacio Gallery. This year’s exhibition showcases a sophisticated and tasteful selection of edgy fetish artwork including photography, video, paintings, 3D and live art. Some of these amazing pieces will be on sale.

The artists we have in this year’s exhibition are:

Ulli Richter, Berlin
Chris Jepson, London
Daniel Marcel Schmude Sterling, Berlin
Matt Spike, London
Christophe Studer-Harper, Switzerland
Lars Deike, Berlin
Gaz, London

Antoin Strachan
Event Manager
[email protected]

Seduction & Desire
5-10 July 2016

Private View: Thursday 7 July 6-9pm
Throughout our lives we are seduced by the possibility of attaining fulfilment. Thus, we are often pulled along by the tug of our senses in this illusive search for happiness.

Seduction & Desire is a journey where a group of artists  explore this human phenomenon. Join us!

Moich Abrahams, Vera Akotuah, Rocio Alcaman, Coulsoom, Kailyn Deyn,
Robert Fitzmaurice, Beth Gadd, Sal Jones, Mehreen Hasan, Philippa Hilliard,
Keren Meguira, Laura New, Nora Velazco, Mia Wilkinson

Organised by Carlos de Lins
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weR
21 June - 3 July 2016
Celebrating Pride in London

Private View: Wednesday 22 June 6-9pm
Featuring performances by Graeme Messer

After so much recent progress on LGBT equality, what are the challenges ahead? Is there something distinct about LGBT identity that is worth preserving or does acceptance inevitably mean assimilation, equality leads to homogeneity?

This exhibition will both celebrate and challenge the limits of being Equal and the right to be Different.

Santiago Alcòn, Brigitte Boldy, Andre Calado &  Lucia Nunes, Richard Harris,
Ronald Hernandez, Sally Jones, Kimberly Klauß, Rachel McCourt,
Graeme Messer, Jose Oriek & Carla Belmonte, Gianluca Pisano, Luis Pereira,
Ian Rayer-Smith, Holly Revell, Bettina Stuurman, Joao Trindade, Mia Wilkinson

Organisers: Bettina Stuurman and Joao Trindade

Islington Art Society Summer Exhibition 2016
13 - 19 June 2016

Private View: Wednesday 15 June 6.30-8.30pm
to be opened by Anne Desmet, RA

Islington Art Society is a lively and friendly community based art society run by its members for artists living in and around Islington, London.

Its members represent a wide range of disciplines reflected in this annual exhibition including painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography and ceramics.

EVENTS:
Come & Meet the Artists
Sunday 19 June 2-4pm

Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 11am - 7pm
Sun 11am - 5pm

JAPAN NOW 2016
Pop, Modern Art & Japanese Gay Art
7-12 June 2016

Open View: Thursday 9 June 6-8:30pm, refreshments provided (Free)

A group exhibition presenting more than 100 artworks by 50 Japanese artists.

This exhibition will include a mixture of pop, modern works and explore the artistic scene in Japan as a cultural superpower crossing a number of mediums and themes from fine art to illustration and Pop Art to Modernism and beyond. This exhibition showcases the very best of contemporary Japanese art today.

Japanese pop culture has become a global subculture and manga and anime continue to gain ever more audience and popularity. The cult known as “Cool Japan” reaches audiences worldwide and Japanese Pop Art has become customary in the art world. Nowhere in the world is popular culture more influential than in Japan and it’s become one of Japan’s biggest exports. Entertainment through lively, fun and witty images, combined with perfected art of transmitting mass culture, Japanese popular and modern philosophy also offer a way of understanding the changing character of media, capitalism, consumerism, art and culture.

The artist exhibition in Japan Now 2016, Pop & modern have contributed to the establishment of Japanese culture. Appropriating and reinterpreting traditional mediums or themes, the art works presented are an example of the beauty and sensibility you can find in modern Japanese art today. Ranging from fantasy depictions and delicate innocent figures to seductive representations and intense images. We are taken into a colorful and playful “Cool Japan”.  

Kajikeneko, Kenji Mera, Succhan, Eri Motohashi, Kayoko Hashimoto,
Hiroyuki Muramatsu, sachi☆choco, Aran, Heyshiro Matsuoka, Hako, Jiraiya,
Tomoyuki Okamoto, Mahoko Miyao, Zen Zerozaki, Tsuyoshi Seko, Gataro,
Karesu Ayakata, Tetsuji Shirakawa, Shiro Osamu, Kiyo, Takaaki Mano, miko,
onoike Sousuke, Kenji, Shiroki, Maki Komura, Happy, Seri, Keisuke Totsuka,
Aya Shimohara, Kikuno, Koune, Takeshi Yamao, Nabeinu Shigeru Eguchi,
Yuppei Sakanozaki, mofuwa, Makiko Yamaguchi, Natsuki Wada, Hideki Koh,
Tsubamegraphics, Seiichi Ikawa, Koichi Kawamura, Gengoroh Tagame,
Moriuo, Naomichi Okutsu, Itetsu Ogura, Saori Kashimura, Mikiko Oomori 

Information: [email protected]

Organism - Chelsea Fringe
24 May - 5 June 2016

Private View: Thursday 26 May 6-9pm
Late Night: Thursday 2nd June until 9pm
Espacio Gallery and the Chelsea Fringe are pleased to present Organism, an exhibition that showcases exciting ideas from a group of national and international artists, comprising works in a variety of media giving a fresh look into some of the aspects relating to the natural world.

Barry Amey, Tania Beaumont, Helen Cooper, Kailyn Deyn, Hollie Dixon,
Tessa Eastman, Ann-Helen English, Pamela Gerrie, Laura Gompertz,
Sally Grumbridge, Lydia Hiorns, Ellen Jewell, Susan Purser Hope,
Penelope Kupfer, Kim Major-George, Elspeth Penfold, Renee Rilexie,
Julia Rogers, Maria Vesterinen

Curated by Tania Beaumont

Beyond the Image
17-22 May 2016

Private View: Thursday 19 May 6-9pm
Beyond the Image showcases a wide range of works by a selected group of emerging and established artists.

The exhibition investigates what lies before and in between the creative process rather than focusing only on the final work. It engages the viewers at a different level, inviting them inside the creative process and encouraging an active engagement with the artists and their work.

Amy Ash, Nathan Bendavid, Chris Carson, Andrea Coltman, Bozena Czyz,
Dulce D'Assunção, Dijon Dajee, Julio Fierro, Peter Handley, Sheera Jacobs,
S R Jimmy, Kyounghee Lee, Ange Mukeza, Renee Rilexie, Stéphane Savoye,
Rob Walters, Jennifer Wright

Curated by Carlos de Lins
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Discovery: Reimagining Darwin’s World
3-15 May 2016

Private View: Thursday 5 May 6-9pm
Discovery: Reimagining Darwin’s World reveals the artists’ distinctive interpretations of Darwin’s investigations and thoughts on the natural world. From tiny details through to sweeping concepts, each artist brings you their own unique insight into the ideas of Charles Darwin: visitors can enjoy a wide range of exhibits including an interactive, mechanical sculpture, exquisite illustrations and 3D prints of our potential evolutionary development.

Darwin’s own account of his travels, The Voyage of the Beagle, as a starting point has inspired a wealth of artistic responses.  

In addition, the artists have each produced a single piece of work based on the Galapagos Ground Finch and these can be seen collectively on the landing between the basement and the ground floor. The artists’ reactions to the theme of Darwin’s voyage of discovery have resulted in a unique, thoughtful and challenging body of work. 

The exhibition brings together a wealth of complementary artwork and opens up a dynamic and intimate dialogue with you, the viewer. Please join-in by visiting Discovery: Reimagining Darwin’s World. As with other Espacio exhibitions, the artists are actively involved and you will be able to discuss the works with several present at the gallery each day.

Alice Cazenave, Esperanza Gomez-Carrera, Graham Asker, Jenny Price,
Julie Caves, Liz Whiteman Smith, Matt Smith, Natalie McIntyre,
Nick Hazzard, Peter Lang, Ruth Jones, Sara Wickenden

Curated by Ruth Jones

Illustrated Talk on Darwin: Dr Steven Le Comber
Thursday 12 May 7pm

Dr Steven Le Comber, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences from Queen Mary University of London will give an illustrated talk on Darwin and evolution on Thursday 12th May at 7 pm.

Admission free.

Aftershock - Chris Gravett
25 April - 1 May 2016

Private View: Monday 25 April 6-9pm
An exhibition of original photography and film by social documentary photographer Chris Gravett.

One year after the devastating earthquakes in Nepal Chris’ photos reveal stories of survival and resilience.

The exhibition is held in aid of Kidasha.

Curated by Chris Gravett

The Floating World
19-24 April 2016

Private View: Tuesday 19 April 6-9pm
The “Floating World” was originally referred to “the contemporary world and hedonistic life”. In Buddhism, it also denotes to the exciting surroundings of emptiness. The Eastern philosophy claims and pursues a realm of “five empty skandhas” which emphasize that every existence and phenomenon is passing clouds. In other words, when people stop obsessing about worldly possessions, a sense of “bliss” will finally be gained.

In contemporary society, there is an inevitable cultural conflict, and the fast-paced macro social context also puts pressure on people. In this situation, the notion of losing oneself and the questioning of the collective values are awakened.

In this exhibition, five groups of creative artists from the University of the Arts London are invited to approach the theme of the “Floating World” from different angles and aspects (e.g. the topic of self-identification, psychological problems, immigration and cultural conflicts, etc.). Moreover, various mediums will be exploited in this case, including fashion garments, jewellery, textiles, installation art and paintings.

Life is about a dream, in which we float through the world.

Kewen Chen, Zhuo Chen, Yifan Gao, Baoyi He, Meilin He, Yilei Huang,
Evelyn Liu, Xuanyuan Liu, Dany Mi, Yingqi Tang, Luning Wang, Yiqi Wang,
Xin Wen, Yue Yin, Linda Zhang, Cindy Zhao, Jing Zhou, Summer Zhuona

Curated by Carlie Chang
► Press Release

This is reality
13-17 April 2016

Private View: Tuesday 12 April 6-9pm
"Reality is merely and illusion, albeit a very persistent one". Albert Einstein

What is reality? Everything that exists now or may have ever been in existence? Not fiction. Nothing false. What constitutes reality, if anything at all, continues to occupy philosophers and scientists – and theories abound.

We could simply be brains in a jar, creating a virtual “real” world. Reality is in fact an infinite set of probabilities. In the end we are obliged to make some sense of the confusion of objects and events we come across, and find what matters for ourselves. Different perceptions lead to different experiences of the reality we accept as a universal truth.

The artists in this exhibition have used paint, print, mixed media, sculpture, and video to explore and interpret this truth as it appears to them. This is reality.

ArtSwati, Sue Dagnall, Lucy du Sautoy, Donna Leighton,
Catherine Maunsell-Bower, Brian May, Ann Simberg, Mark Walter

Note:
Opening hours on Sunday 17 April: 11am - 5pm.

In Translation
5-10 April 2016

Private View: Thursday 7 April 6-9pm
In Translation is about the way that we create new languages, in order to interpret and convey our responses to the world. Art can be a way of making sense of our environment and of lived experience. It is as if the raw material of life needs to be translated - given a kind or order, or meaning, in order to make it liveable. This is Culture, and this is why art is at the root of culture. It offers us a way of looking, understanding and being in the world.

Beyond this, translation is a way of reaching out. Translations bring people together. They put us on the same page. Meaning is made meaningful when it is acknowledged by others. Through translations in art, our visions become powerful. They can bring about change.

In Translation brings together a group of artists from around the world. Whether they are inspired by their environments, by myths and legends, or by ideas and emotions, each artist's work is underpinned by the need to translate experience into something visual and share-able. We are offered new perspectives, or understandings, and we are invited to translate their translations for ourselves.

Rocio Alcaman, John Adams, Stanislav Geissler, Charles McLaren, Marina Mos,
Sarah Nabarro, Gosia Poraj, Lena Stadlen, Nora Velazco, Maria Vesterinen

Organised by Carlos de Lins
► Press Release
► Press Release

Mia Wilkinson: Plus Size
28 March - 03 April 2016
Gallery 1

Private View: Tuesday 29 March 6-9pm
Espacio Gallery are pleased to present a Solo Exhibition of paintings by Mia Wilkinson, including new works.

Mia Wilkinson is a London based artist, whose oil paintings are visceral explorations of certain sexualized female forms. The sensual indulgence with which she approaches the paint is reflective of her subject; female body builders and squashers wrestle on the canvas in an orgy of drips and loaded excess paint. The humorous and light hearted intention with which she approaches her work is not lost, as complex issues of sex and gender are confronted by her brush.

‘Accidental properties created by applying wet on wet, prove just as important to my work; dripping from the nipples and nails and mouth and feet, that go in and out of the women enable a feeling of sensuality sprinkled with disgust’.

Handling the paint in a fast paced vigour, Wilkinson’s paintings have found their own loopy language in which it describes the figures with intense immediacy, whilst still embracing the particularities of the female flesh. Exuding a confidence within the paint she plays with the sculptural solidity of their bodies against flat backgrounds, referencing the images of which she originally collated to use as a source material. The work is unapologetic, and intense, yet doesn’t become the expected angst ridden expressionism, rather comedic as the figures are increasingly morphing out of themselves and are
hilariously exposed as bizarre avatars. Confined within unsettling narratives and displaying an obvious absurd aggression and transgression, provides a powerful yet witty statement about the way identity is performed within a media culture.

Mia Wilkinson studied BA Fine Art Painting at Wimbledon College of Art.

but not simpler
Baher Shirzad & Nicholas Macneil
28 March - 03 April 2016
Gallery 2

Private View: Tuesday 29 March 6-9pm
Espacio Gallery are pleased to present “but not simpler”, a duo exhibition with works by Baher Shirzad and Nicholas Macneil. With different approaches to their practice, both painters are concerned with issues surrounding the relevance and future of painting.

The title: “but not simpler” is an ambiguous, mid-sentence extraction. It refers to the balance often strived for in painting: fabricating the simplest way of communicating an idea while maintaining enough complexity to successfully do so. It is an exhibition examining the fundamentals of painting and its destiny.

Nicholas Macneil examines the semi-familiar but ambiguous world beyond the paint itself, in both the boundaries of the image, and the digital print. In some works, he creates a conceptual uncertainty in an equivocal space; literally creating a jarring union between paint and collage print. The unframed and unusual shapes of some of his paintings indicate a removal from a larger context, which combined with the collage, contributes to a running theme of ‘a world beyond the painting’ itself. His digital paintings carry on themes from the paintings on board but in a more direct way. They occupy a world in which the image is not quite analogue, and not completely digital. They allow for a human fragility to show through as seen in painting, but also a machine filtering of that delicate human interference.

Nicholas Macneil studied BA Fine Art Painting at Wimbledon College of Art.

Baher Shirzad’s work is mainly concerned with his background and his roots in Afghanistan. He has been greatly influenced by London Central Mosque, its relationship to London and the surrounding community. Drawing is an essential part of Shirzad’s process, he starts with numerous sketches to enhance his knowledge of the surroundings and then paints these sites repetitively, until he is satisfied with the result. The impasto in the paintings derives from a constant rectifying of areas in the work after previous attempts, this provides room for building layers in the work and the physical depth of the image.  

Baher Shirzad studied BA Fine Art Painting at Wimbledon College of Art.

Behold a Pale Horse
22-27 March 2016
Gallery 1

Private View: Thursday 24 March 6-9pm
"I looked, and behold, a pale horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death."

Uniting an international collective of artists around metaphysical ideas in relation to Theosophy, Mythology and Mortality, the exhibition brings together artists from both Western and Eastern perspectives to explore the vast causal realms behind the outer veil of nature known to our senses.

Feel free to come along to the private view on the 24th March to enjoy some drinks and talk with the artists.

Natasza Cetner, Cristofer D'Gorche, Gabriele Masiokaite,
Mahsa Sadr, Joseph Wright, Raimon Bolibar

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Wandering
22-27 March 2016
Gallery 2

Private View: Thursday 24 March 6-9pm
Bringing together London based creatives, this exhibition presents depictions of a wandering body or mind, aspects of the creative process or a journey made by an artist, all through mixed media.

Gary W Smith, Katia Shipulina, Tom Coates, Kavitha Balasingham,
William Dalton, Avely Vain, Rosie M Lewin, Klaudija Visockyte,
Phoebe Mead, Elliot Hewgill

Come to our private view event for a chance to have a drink, talk with the artists and experience an exclusive art performance

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► PROGRAMME FOR THE WEEK
Please check our home page to see the full programme for the week.

T.R.I.B.E - Kay Rufai
15-20 March 2016 (1-8pm)

Opening Night: Tuesday 15 March 6.30-9pm
Entrance: £10 at the door

What is T.R.I.B.E
It stands for Testing Realities Invariably Binding Everyone. It is a Poetry/Photography and immersive art exhibition which features images , poetry and experiential art based on documented accounts with remote tribes in Southern Ethiopia. The exhibition aims to create a platform that challenges, educates, explores and compares the social constructs, ideas of identity, pride & unity, innovation styles and ultimately redefining our perceptions of tribal living.

About Universoul Brand
Universoul Brand is an amalgamation of creative platforms that champion expression of self through Art. Art takes many shapes, forms and dimensions and our passion is to unleash the art within you. We aim to use art to champion the concept of identity and self expression, through the poetry workshops with young people in schools and colleges, photography exhibitions, Motivational talks, Clothing brand and various miscellaneous expressive tools.

As the motto suggests, we want U to be the best version of U, not me, not her. You were made to be Unique and we want you to embrace that Uniqueness and dazzle the world through the expression of that which is Unique within you, inevitably making U Universoul.

www.universoulbrand.com

Focus on Society
8-13 March 2016

Private view: Tuesday 8 March 6-8pm
How do you see the world around you? This was the question posed to the young people of the UK who were asked to capture their vision of society for the Economic and Social Research Council's (ESRC) annual photographic competition.

The outcome? A stunning exhibition, which features a unique collection of inspiring and thought-provoking images taken under the headings of 'Cradle to the grave'; 'There's no place like home'; 'Live and let live'; 'From rags to riches'; and 'Variety is the spice of life'.
More than 800, 14-18 year olds from all walks of life took part supplying fantastic photographs from not only their cameras but also their mobile phones and tablets.

Come to the Espacio to see the final 43 striking images, carefully selected by an elite panel of experts – including of course the overall winner, individual category winners and the judges' favourites.  

Rosie Johnson, Brittany Collier, Ellie Huxley, Luke Wilson, William Ridgeon, Alisdair Wilson, George Ackerley, Javeria Mir, Darcey Boyle, Sophie Boygle, Maggie Matthews, Jada Giwa, Joshua Idusohan, Imogen Heap,
Adam Younghusband, Eleanor Munro, Dominic Wilkins, Imogen Gash,
Cameron Millar, Jake Mongey,Jerry Marc Mangabat, Holly Beighton, Sarish Ditta, Katy Hocking, Kieran Doyle, Georgia Senior, Sam Ahira, Maria Overtoom,
Ella Tilley, Scarlett Armstrong, Anne Daly, Olivia Reynolds, Nimra Shahid,
Tegan Johnston-Brunn, Natasha Wigman, Olivia Arnold, Kiya Jordan,
Joanne Gallagher, Dina Sharer, Stanley Chick

Organised by Sue Haydock, ESRC

Eves & Liliths: An Exploration of Women's Identity
1-6 March 2016

Private View: Thursday 3 March 6-9pm
Eves & Liliths opens in the  week surrounding the International Women's Day as a platform to examine the portrayal, treatment and identity of women throughout history, with emphasis on today's society. It aims to celebrate and promote insight.

The exhibition showcases works inspired by the views of  British and  international  artists,  in a  range of categories, including  painting, mixed media, traditional and digital drawing, photography, print, sculpture, video, installation and performance art. 

… But why the title 'Eves and Liliths'?

Certainly  the term 'Lilith' is not popular. Its origins lie in Babylonian demonology. In some sources she is conceived as the original woman created even before Eve. The legend says that she was a rebel who did not want to be submissive to Adam and soon abandoned him. After that God decided to create Eve and then Lilith became a symbol of  the dark side of women. Most recently she has come to represent the feminist and the freedom of the 'modern woman'.

Carmen Aleman, Lizy Bending,  Liz Derbyshire, Kevin Derbyshire, Gaëlle Garbani,  Jonathan Graham, Liz Kent, Les Lismore, Lawrence Mathias, Noonie Minogue, 
Women in Motion,  Mark Nelson, Elspeth Penfold, Emma Franks, Fabiana Righi,
Marie-Lois Rodriguez, Daniela White, Sinclair Watkins, Meliha Gunenc,
Madi Acharya-Baskerville, Fiona Masterton, Rogerio S. Amaral, Radan Cicen,
Denise Pitágoras, Jasmin Topalusic, Silvio Severino, Yolanda Pinto Medina

Curated by Ana Cockerill

NOTE:
On Thursday 3 March the gallery will open from 4pm.

Events:

Ma∞Donna - an evening of performances
Saturday 5 March 7:30 - 10:00pm


Participating artists:
Lizy Bending, Limor Collins, Jonathan Graham, Marcia Mar, Lawrence Mathias,
Sabine Kussmaul & Mark Sheeky, Jones Tensini

► Find out more about the artists

Curated by Ana Cockerill
► Press Release

A Place in Between
23-28 February 2016

Private View: Thursday 25 February 6-9pm
The interface between life experience and the artistic process can be a strange mysterious world of half glimpsed effects and ideas, but this is also the place in between life events where creative sparks are born.

The exhibition showcases works by national and international artists, in a variety of interpretations and mediums reflecting moments in the artists' lives when they found themselves in movement - either through space or state of mind.

Come and explore the interface between life and art; the inner place where creative sparks are born as the artists confront their inner selves during times of transition.

Alvaro Mendoza, Natalia Nikoulina, Marianne MarpLondon, Sam Dodson,
Pernille Nadine, Frank Pohlmann, Robin Beuscher, Philip Smith,
Kumyoung Kwon, Michael Ostromooukhov, Thomas Perceval, Des Kilfeather,
Ghada Al-aloussi, Michael Young, Jan Lee Johnson, Happy Andrada,
Martin Wharmby, Peter Dobbin, Natxo Borreda, Mehreen Hasan,
Clare Haxby, Benjamin Nyari

Curated by Carlos de Lins
► Press Release

We Love Art
9-14 February 2016

Private View: Thursday 11 February 6-9pm
The exhibition heralds the change of seasons from the depths of winter to the promise of spring.  Each artist brings their own unique perspective exploring their love of art, apt as this exhibition closes on St Valentine’s Day.  Their individual responses to a diverse range of sources that inspire their work result in a unique body of work.  Using a variety of media the artists open up an energetic dialogue with the viewer.  

From tiny overlooked but vital details of daily life to contemporary cultural icons We Love Art draws on rich and varied aspects of the artists’ collective experience.
 
This is a colourful and imaginative exhibition that encourages the viewer to discover and explore fascinating aspects of the artists’ works.  As with other Espacio exhibitions, the artists are actively involved with the gallery and you can expect to find several invigilating at We Love Art each day should you wish to find out more about the artwork.

Moich Abrahams,  Stephen Buggle,  Paul Butler,  Kanwal Dhaliwal,  Lee-Ann,
Guilhem,  Ruth Jones,  Keren Meguira,  Clive Patterson,   Sara Wickenden

Organised by Ruth Jones
► Press Release

BLUE
2-7 February 2016

Private view: Thursday 4 February 6-9pm
Azure, cerulean, cobalt, cyan, indigo, iris, majorelle, navy, periwinkle, phthalo, sapphire, turquoise, true, ultramarine, zaffre…

The walls of Espacio Gallery are going blue!
 
A dozen artists, all colourists in their own way, have searched their souls for what makes them ‘Blue’, as well as exploring the traditions, symbolism and meanings of the colour. And each has approached the subject in their highly personal and unique way.
 
“This is the third year Espacio has devoted an exhibition purely to colour. This time, we decided to challenge the artists by restricting the subject to ‘BLUES’. This does not mean the art will be exclusively one colour. It opens up limitless possibilities and we are sure this is going to be a very exciting exhibition’’. Sally Grumbridge, co-curator.
 
Come and share with us in a celebration of Blueness!

Brigitte Boldy, Paul Bramley, Eleanor Buffam, Zelda Eady,
Robert Fitzmaurice, Pamela Gerrie, Laura Gompertz, Sally Grumbridge,
Guilhem, Rosana Miracco, Ann Simberg, Tina Viljoen

Curated by Sally Grumbridge & Tina Viljoen

The Museum of Youth
Collection 1 - Launch Exhibition
Wednesday 27 January 6-9pm

ToandTO approached Youth Worldwide in hopes of collaborating  and hosting their launch exhibition in January 2016. Both platforms celebrate creativity and design in all its forms and feel it a fitting partnership that will continue to span past this initial exhibition.  

The Museum of Youth - is a collection launch/exhibition showcasing a heavily curated section of what the YOUTH WORLDWIDE collective have been creating within the past year. The purpose of the exhibition will be to outline the brands entire vision and will be seen as more as an experience as opposed to a viewing session. It will serve as the first official launch of the collective too.

This includes our selected couture garments from the first collection entitled NEUE. As well as our hand crafted installations created by our resident architects, designers photographers and artworkers. We will be showcasing various graphic prints, exclusive photography and custom interactive stations that have been inspired by the brand aesthetic.

They will also be exclusively premiering the official Collection 1 Lookbook film at the exhibition, which is also entitled The Museum of Youth. This film will then be launched on platforms such as Complex, Dazed, ID mag and many more post the exhibit.

The Private View - is on the 27th of January. Everyone will also get the opportunity to purchase limited edition prints only sold at the private view.

Tickets can be purchased via www.youthww.com

Con - Fusion by KAN KAN
13-24 January 2016

Private View: Wednesday 13 January 6.30-8.30pm

“Art is the expression of imagination, not the duplication of reality." (Sculptor, Henry Moore)

Con-Fusion is an exhibition showcasing the richly diverse, multidisciplinary art of KAN KAN artists’ collective. As graduates of the University for the Creative Arts, Farnham, it’s their shared passion for art, plus sincerity and rigour in concept and execution, that brings them together and unites them.

Featuring sculpture, maquettes, found objects, installation, painting, etching, lino cut and photography, KAN KAN’s debut show fuses the whimsical; physical; boldly beautiful; vivid; ecological and technological – in an absorbing and intriguing way.

KAN KAN’s strength is the eclecticism of its artistic drive and motivation, as each individual brings a unique life experience to the making process. In this way the artists of KAN KAN aim to connect and resonate with the viewer for a stimulating and thought-provoking experience.

Alison McFadden, Carolyn MacLeod, Chris Holley, Debra-Lorraine Grant,
Diana Burch, Dominique Goodwin, Fran Webster, Jenny Rickman,
Katherine Peeke, Lizy Bending, Louise Scillitoe-Brown, Morwenna Lake,
Pippa Ward, Susan Bates Little (Loughboro')

WARNING: PRIVATE VIEW MAY CONTAIN LIVE PERFORMANCE

[email protected]

Opening hours:
Wed-Sat 1-7pm
Sun 1-5pm
Past exhibitions 2015