Tag: Pool Arts
Your Truth is not My Truth: Pool Arts respond to the Life and work of William Blake
Some of the work from our Blake exhibition October 2019
Preview Thursday 3rd October 5-9pm All Welcome
3rd – 12th October 2019 (Weds/Thurs/Fri/Sat) 2-6pm
Workshop: Make your own lino print date:
Thursday 10th October 4:30-6:30pm (please contact to book, places limited)
The Horsfall, 87 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester, M4 5AG
The poet and artist William Blake (1757-1827) lived his life in poverty and received very little recognition during his own lifetime. He was considered at best an eccentric and at worst a madman by the critics of the time. However, a few dedicated followers preserved much his prolific work and he is now considered one of the most important British artists of all time, influencing art, literature and music from the Pre-Raphaelites to Patti Smith.
For this exhibition at Horsfall, Pool Arts researched the life, work and influence of William Blake and wondered what relevance he might have to our own experiences. Certainly we live in a time of political change and upheaval. Blake saw visions throughout his life that influenced his art but he was also an Enlightenment radical who contemplated the American and French revolutions; questioned religions and challenged dominant ideologies that he felt stifled imagination and the human spirit.
In this exhibition, our artists have looked at Blake’s biography, his art and poetry and from there created new work. What is Truth? Blake searched for a spiritual truth and found it rooted in imagination. Then as now, the fight between different Truths shaped the world. The exhibition features thoughtful responses from the Pool Arts artists, including; Alan S’s large scale painted installations, Paul Richards’ sensitive works of visionary mythologies and Roger Howard’s work exploring current political concerns. Becky Mary’s print “Quotation” perhaps sums up how difficult it has been to really understand the work of William Blake, deciphering a history through second and thirdhand research, viewing one of the Fathers of the modern age in art, from the perspective of a Post-Truth age.
Contributing Artists include: Another Adele, Akinyemi Oludele, Annette Ebanks
Becky Mary, Alison Kershaw, Alan S, Simon Mawdsley, I. Baron, Lee Hadfield, David Speers, Ruqia Artiste, Roger Howard, Eddie Price, Tess Lomas.
Pool Arts RESILIENCE a work in progress
Join Us for a weekend of art and fun as part of Manifest
Our title reflects the determination of an organisation run by and for its artists to survive todays slings and arrows of austerity
R H Y T H M: the work of Akinyemi Oludele – opening sensation
Akinyemi Oludeles exhibition opening at Horsfall in Manchester was a great success last night. We are all buzzing about the great atmosphere. With live Jazz, three floors filled with the audience of his followers and supporters plus those who wandered in from the bustling Great Ancoats Street stream of traffic to see what all the excitement was about. Those who came were treated to an historic live drawing performance by the artist, which illustrated just how he is inspired by the music. In fact more than inspiration; Akinyemi is truly in collaboration with the musicians – a part of the band, creating a visual trace of the moment, responding and even guiding the music. He sang, rapped and moved in and out of the beats and tunes. Absolutely electrifying. We need to be seeing much more of Akinyemi Oludele. People came from far and wide, those who have known the artists from his presence and involvement in live music nights in Manchester over the years – and there was a lot of love in the room for his achievement with his first solo show. A more diverse audience you couldn’t wish to meet – of all ages and backgrounds. Thanks again to Horsfall for hosting us.
E X H I B I T I O N continues Thurs – Sat 2-6pm until closing event 2-6 on Saturday 22nd September. Don’t Miss!
Art & Reflections of a Retired Trained Killer : Alan S @ Horsfall, Manchester
We are delighted to announce a new exhibition by artist Alan S,
Press Release
Preview Thursday 7th June 6-9pm
Exhibition Fri 8th – Weds 13th June 2-6pm (closed Sunday)
The Horsfall, 87 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester, M4 5AG
With titles such as I would not have passed the anti-doping test or Shot at Dawn, Alan S. presents installations that speak of his life as a Guardsman in the Grenadier Guards and his experiences of homelessness.
Alan S began making his expansive installations, intricate dot paintings and poetry whilst he was homeless and has continued to develop work over the last eight years. He intuitively combines collections of discarded, found materials often discovered around the city in skips, bins and charity shops, together with paint and words; conveying his own experience, memories and personal histories.
This exhibition stems from the 100 year anniversary of the First World War and explores the personal histories of Manchester based artist Alan S. It features two floors of large scale installation works using found objects and explores the line between humour and seriousness.
With titles such as ‘I would not have passed the anti-doping test’ or ‘Shot at Dawn’, the installations explore his life as a Guardsman in the Grenadier Guards, his experiences of homelessness and his views on topical issues. This work is juxtaposed with painstakingly intricate dotwork pieces, each one taking over 50 hours to complete; a practice which the artist developed using accessible materials as a way to switch off and relax.
Alan S began making expansive installations, intricate dot paintings and poetry whilst he was homeless and has continued to develop work over the last eight years. He intuitively combines collections of discarded, found materials , often discovered around the city in skips, bins and charity shops on his daily explorations through back streets and alleyways. He combines these with paint and words; conveying his own experiences and memories.
In Alan’s words, “The work is ⅓ life experiences, ⅓ army, ⅓ fun of it. I like finding stuff, I don’t have a clue what I will turn it into. I like thinking about topical issues and turning the pieces I find into something new. I was in the 2nd Battalion of the Grenadier guards, making the work is my way of remembering the lives lost, doing it a bit differently than the ‘official’ way.”
Alan S’ exhibition is part of a wider partnership between The Horsfall and Pool Arts to showcase work which has been informed by the mental health of the artist or takes mental health and wellbeing as its central theme.
Media enquiries:
Julie McCarthy, Creative Producer (The Horsfall @ 42nd Street) @TheHorsfall
About Alan S
Alan S has spent over 10 years living and making work in manchester, from intricate dotwork pieces to large scale installations based on his personal experience as a Guardsman in the Grenadier Guards and his experiences of homelessness. His work covers serious topics but always conveys a sense of humour and fun.
Initially creating work to ‘switch off’ and relax, he became a member of Pool arts 9 years ago and began exploring the larger scale, installation work whilst being a studio member of Hope Mill, continuing his practice at their studio in Ardwick.
“I am Interested in showing how accessible it is to make art and only use affordable materials. I find more joy in finding stuff in a skip than buying it.”
About Pool Arts
This exhibition is in association with Pool Arts; an artist led organisation which challenges the barriers that some artists face and aims to provide studio space, support, training, professional and personal development opportunities.
They are working to create a supportive framework, giving their members opportunities to produce, promote and sell their own artwork, as well as raising awareness of the positive role that art and culture can play in the wellbeing of the community. Pool Arts now has studio space in Ardwick and welcomes new members. Please contact for further information.
About 42nd Street and The Horsfall
42nd Street is a Greater Manchester mental health charity committed to supporting young people aged 11-25 years with their emotional well-being and mental health, promoting choice and creativity. With an excellent 35 year reputation, our unique holistic service model combines therapeutic psychological interventions with advocacy and social care. We reach 2000 young people each year via individual therapeutic support, projects and activities, leadership, peer research and a creative programme. The Horsfall is 42nd Street’s creative venue and programme dedicated to improving young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Projects, workshops and events sees artists from across all artforms co-creating work with young people to interrogate their own stories and to imagine new futures.
At the SHED gallery this weekend: Morgan Wyman
Don’t miss our SHED gallery hosting new Pool Artist, Morgan Wyman who will be showing new stunning mixed media paintings. The exhibition is part of the Tonbridge Road Allotment Society annual show on the Community Allotment where SHED is based – with an outdoor pizza oven, Pimms, teas and coffees and a produce auction sale – always a highlight!
Studio Space Available
We have a studio for a new Associate artist coming available in September.
Please let us know if you would be interested. download further Details here Pool Arts studioA
Ardwick Built for #ManifestArts17
The Ardwick Built exhibition saw Pool Arts and our Associates creating an open studio show that explored the local area around our new studio. Work looked at aspects of the social history, architectural and historical context. We visited the Ardwick Archive at GMCVO, based at Ardwick Green and this gave us lots of additional information. Visitors from as far afield as Korea saw the show which coincided with Manchester International Festival #MIF17 and was part of #ManifestArts17, which is an artist led initiative to showcase contemporary arts spaces and studios in the city every two years. One of the highlights of the weekend was a table top interactive model of the area, where visitors could take part in creating buildings made of scrap materials. Some of the iconic buildings that they crafted were 1930s modernist The Apollo and the castle-like Ardwick Barracks. On the Sunday, urban geographer Morag Rose led an alternative tour of Ardwick Green , one of the first suburbs of the city.
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@halliwellesley @Suite_Studio @ManifestArts This was definitely one of the positive outcomes for us too! 😂so much dust in these old mills
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Our next exhibition is at our little SHED gallery in #Levenshulme on 18/8 at Tonbridge Road Allotment with paintings by Simon and 2nd hand Art Book Sale @ManifestArts @ArtStudio01 @mcrconfidential @levinspire @BBCRadioManc @arts4health @EngagedArtNet pic.twitter.com/T6yFC6NnXm
Detail of work by Alan S. pic.twitter.com/TqbszHjy4d
It’s Sunday! Time for art! Some gorgeous paintings on display (and some for sale) at our Open Studio today - join us at 18-20 Grosvenor Street (at the end near A6, a 10 mins walk from Piccadilly rail station) @ManifestArts #manifestarts19 Look Forward to seeing you pic.twitter.com/027AuoWA1L