The New Art Gallery Walsall
October to December 2009
Cover image: Neal Rock, Fanestra, 2008-9. Pigmented silicone and mixed media. Photo: Stuart Whipps
Photo: Craig Holmes, Metro Photographic
What’s On October — December 2009 Exhibitions
- Neal Rock: Fanestra & Other Works - Gordon Cheung: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse - Ola Kolehmainen: A Building is not a Building - Steffi Klenz: Nummianus - The House of Fairy Tales: a Portfolio made by artists - Bob and Roberta Smith & the Epstein Archive Visit our brand new website: thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk Join the blog, Facebook us or just follow us on Twitter
Steffi Klenz exhibition is supported by:
The event programme is supported by:
The gallery is accredited by: Bob and Roberta Smith & the Epstein Archive is supported by:
Ania Bas, Speed Tour featuring David Jordon, Gallery Assistant, 2009
Lucienne Cole, Hi Fidelity Hi; performance documention, 2007 Photographer: Sam Nightingale. Presented by Media Art Bath, 2007
Artists’ Studio
Lucienne Cole
Ania Bas
November 2009 — February 2010
4 – 6 December 2009
Music, singing and dancing are at the heart of Lucienne Cole’s work – especially when they can be enjoyed and shared with others. As part of the gallery’s 10th birthday celebrations, Lucienne is inviting the public to be part of a celebratory display that’s all singing, all dancing and spilling over in crèpe paper and confectionary! Details of how to get involved will be posted on the gallery’s website.
The Weekend Supplement Join artist Ania Bas for a series of alternative tours of the gallery. See everything in 15 minutes on a ‘speed’ tour; have your artwork displayed next to a masterpiece as part of the Artist’s CV boost tour; admire the views from the windows and go wild in our seasonal ‘sale’. No need to book – just drop in on the day. To take part in Artist’s CV Boost please contact Ania in advance: aniabas@gmail.com www.aniainwalsall.blogspot.com
Neal Rock, Nonsober, 2009 Pigmented silicone and mixed media.
Neal Rock, Lethe reduced/notehed, 2009 Pigmented silicone and mixed media.
Fanestra & Other Works 7 August — 1 November 2009 Neal Rock creates sculptural compositions through the layering of pigmented silicone. His techniques stem from traditions within Western painting from 17th century Dutch still life and the Baroque to American gestural abstraction. Colouring these aesthetic concerns is the influence of horror/sci-fi films watched throughout Rock’s childhood. During the 1970s and ‘80s special effects techniques entered a new age with films such as Ridley Scott’s Alien, John Carpenter’s The Thing and George A Romero’s Dead trilogy.
In Conversation
Saturday 24 October, 2pm Join Neal Rock as he leads an informal tour of the exhibition Please reserve your free place in advance by calling 01922 654400.
Neal Rock was born in Port Talbot, Wales, and now lives and works in Los Angeles, USA. This, his first major solo exhibition in a UK public gallery, features entirely new work. The exhibition is accompanied by an illustrated catalogue with an essay by Martin Herbert.
Neal Rock, Fanestra & Other Works, 2009. Installation view, The New Art Gallery Walsall All photography: Stuart Whipps
Pigmented silicone and mixed media.
Neal Rock
Gordon Cheung
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse 7 August — 1 November 2009
Gordon Cheung creates hallucinogenic visions inspired by a wide range of sources including science fiction, 18th century romantic painting, zombie films, cartoons and current affairs. His works reflect on such contemporary issues as the war on terror, religion, economics, globalisation, the digital age and technology.
For this exhibition, the artist has created a significant new body of works including contemporary interpretations of The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. For the first time, sculpture, animations and laser etchings are shown alongside his more familiar mixed media paintings. The exhibition is accompanied by an illustrated catalogue with an essay by Paul Hobson.
Image on opposite page: Gordon Cheung, The Journey, 2009. Stock listings, acrylic gel and spray on canvas. Courtesy of the artist Gordon Cheung, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse 2009. Installation view, The New Art Gallery Walsall
In Conversation
Saturday 3 October, 2pm Join Gordon Cheung as he leads an informal tour of the exhibition Please reserve your free place in advance by calling 01922 654400.
International Painting Symposium Friday 23 October 2009, Wolverhampton University Join course leaders for Fine Art, Dr Alistair Payne and Maggie Ayliffe together with Neal Rock and Gordon Cheung for a symposium and presentation on contemporary painting. The event will be followed by a private reception at The New Art Gallery Walsall. To attend the conference please contact Maggie Ayliffe: M.C.Ayliffe@wlv.ac.uk
Steffi Klenz, Nummianus, 2009. Courtesy of the artist
Steffi Klenz Nummianus
11 September — 22 November 2009 For this series of works, Steffi has photographed rows of boarded up terraced houses in Greater Manchester. These houses are representative of a more widespread trend in which most residents have left the area, causing a rapid decrease in value for the remaining properties. Unable to sell their homes, some residents are forced to remain in the area where they are subject to a downward spiral of social exclusion. The term “Nummianus” is a direct reference to an inscription found in the remains of a house in Pompeii. Literally translated as coin or money, Klenz makes an ironic reference to homes as commodities and creates a memorial to the loss of a community. A collaborative project with Street Level Photoworks, Glasgow
Preview & Book Launch
Thursday 10 September 2009, 6pm-8pm Free. Friends, family & colleagues welcome.
In Conversation
Saturday 7 November Join the artist for an informal tour of his exhibition.
Steffi Klenz, Nummianus, 2009. Courtesy of the artist
Please reserve your free place in advance by calling 01922 654400.
Ola Kolehmainen, Composition with a Clang, 2008. 202 x 1285 cm (5 panels). 202 x 230-260 cm each. Diasec. Courtesy of the artist.
Ola Kolehmainen
A Building is not a Building 13 November 2009 — 24 January 2010
A publication accompanies this exhibition. Published by Hatje Kantz, it includes essays by Timothy Persons, Alistair Hicks and David Elliott and a conversation with the artist by Arja Miller and Taru Tappola.
In Conversation
Saturday 9 January, 2pm Join the artist for an informal tour of his exhibition. Please reserve your free place in advance by calling 01922 654400.
Ola Kolehmainen, Autumn Leaves, 2008. 202 x 264 cm, Analogue C-print, Diasec. Carl-Gustav Ehrnrooth Collection
This Berlin-based Finnish artist composes his photographs according to strict principles of order, often showing rows of repetitive patterns found on the facades of buildings. The Minimalist austerity of these images is occasionally broken by elements such as trees or other buildings which are mirrored in the facades, adding a very human dimension to an otherwise formal approach.
Garman Ryan Exhibitions Adam Dant, Bogeyman, 2008. House of Fairy Tales
The House of Fairy Tales A Portfolio made by Artists Interventions into the Garman Ryan Collection (1st and 2nd floors)
31 October 2009 — 16 October 2010 Discover the new and exciting ways fairy tales have been interpreted and explored by the international artists who have produced this extraordinary series of images inspired by familiar stories. You thought you knew what fairy tales were about? Think again. The 23 contributing artists are: Fiona Banner, Simon Bill, Sir Peter Blake, Ellen Cantor, Spartacus Chetwynd, Mat Collishaw, Dexter Dalwood, Adam Dant, Enrico David, Jeremy Deller & Alan Kane, Simon English, Georgie Hopton, Harland Miller, Cornelia Parker, Simon Periton, Paula Rego, Jane Simpson, Bob & Roberta Smith, Kiki Smith, Gavin Turk, Francis Upritchard, Rachel Whiteread.
Gavin Turk, Melancholia, 2008 Etching, House of Fairy Tales
Treasure trails and activities designed by the artists make both these exhibitions a fun, rich and lively mixture for adults and children alike revealing the scope of ideas within contemporary art today.
The House of Fairy Tales presents Exquisite Trove 31 October 2009 — 10 January 2010 A treasure trove of mysterious objects hidden on shelves, in cases, glass vessels, suitcases and assorted containers excitingly revealing their stories and fairy tale narratives. Fairy tales have always been an expression of a whole spectrum of human experience and emotion; they are capricious and whimsical, mercurial and quixotic. They are full of dark and light and laden with symbolism and hope and transformative enchantment.
On display all year round The Garman Ryan Collection is a personal collection of art and artefacts given to Walsall by Sir Jacob Epstein’s widow, Kathleen Garman and her close friend, sculptor, Sally Ryan. This intimate display includes works by many famous artists including Van Gogh, Lucian Freud, Monet, Constable and Picasso. For more information about the gallery collections and Jacob Epstein, visit thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk.
The House of Fairy Tales brings
Halloween to Walsall Sat 31 October, 11am – 11pm & Sun 1 November, 11am – 4pm The House of Fairy Tales presents a historical Halloween themed parade, drawing local people to a theatrical fun fair, with live bands, art projects and performances. With our choice of artists, we celebrate the historical cultural references (Celts, Romans, early Christians, The Tudors and Victorians), which merge to create the legacy of Halloween as we know it today.
Jacob Epstein, Self Portrait, c.1901. Red Chalk.
Adam Dant, Bogeyman, 2008. House of Fairy Tales
The Garman Ryan Collection
Bob and Roberta Smith & the Epstein Archive September 2009 — May 2011 Buried and hidden in the depths of The New Art Gallery Walsall is the Epstein Archive. Archivist Neil Lebeter and artist Bob and Roberta Smith will be working together with curators and gallery audiences to find new ways of revealing these archives to visitors. A weekly blog on The New Art Gallery Walsall website will enable audiences to join in and comment upon the process. This is a developing 18 month project; the final outcome is unknown; the journey will explore ‘New Ways of Collaborating’ Join in at thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk
Drop in with the family anytime, open everyday, all day.
Disco is a safe space for families to explore art together. You can touch, look, draw, play and create to help you understand the artworks on display. Dress up, design a 3D townscape or create some computer art.
Free Family Events
No need to book, just drop in subject to space.
October
October / November
Paint the Town
Diwali Celebrations
Make your mark with a painted invented landscape inspired by our latest exhibition.
Join us for another celebration of the festival of light, where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. A free family-friendly day event packed with live music and dance, workshops, rangoli, traditional food and much more.
Monday 26 October, 1pm-4pm
Haunted Houses
Tuesday 27 October, 1pm-4pm Make a red haunted house to scare all your neighbours, we’ll photograph them all.
Monstrous Sculptures
Wednesday 28 October, 1pm-4pm
Create a weird and wonderful sculpture.
Horror Badges
Thursday 29 October, 1pm-4pm Create some evil artwork to wear pinned to your top.
Mould a Monster
Friday 30 October, 1pm-4pm
Make your own monster and leave it at the gallery for display.
Special Effects
Friday 30 October, 10am-4pm
Drop-in and transform your hands with a ghoulish growth with our theatre expert, subject to space.
Sat 24 Oct 2009, 11am–4pm
The House of Fairy Tales brings Halloween to Walsall Sat 31 October, 11am–11pm & Sun 1 November, 11am–4pm
The House of Fairy Tales presents a historical Halloween themed parade, with live bands, art projects and performances. Meet in fancy dress at the Bridge in Walsall at 6pm on Halloween evening to join the procession to the gallery.
December Christmas Crackers
Sunday 6 December, 12pm-3pm Create patterned cards and decorations for the festive season.
4 December 2009 — 10 January 2010
Local artists present a range of paintings, drawings, watercolours and 3D work. Some of the works are for sale and demonstrations are held every weekend during the exhibition Preview Thursday 3 Dec 2009, 6pm – 8pm Free. Friends, family & colleagues welcome.
Wellbeing Festival 2009
Sat 10 October 2009, 10am – 4pm
Join us for a free event marking World Mental Health Day to promote ways that we can all look after our mental health. Creative activities include laughter therapy, kite making, selfportrait workshops, make your own smoothie by cycling and much more. There will also be information about local services and support organisations.
Thursday Affairs: Sing It Black
Thurs 1 October, 6pm–9pm
Nominate your favourite black music track of all time to be part of the night’s play list and commemorate the 50th anniversary of Motown with Mel Day. Email your favourite track to ioannoui@ walsall.gov.uk by Friday 25 September.
I-slam Night
Sat 14 November 2009, 6pm – 9pm Soul City Arts brings the UK’s regular Slam poetry contest to Walsall with Midlands former poet laureate, Dreadlock Alien and special guest performers. www.islampoetry.com
Audio described Talks House of Fairy Tales
Thurs 26 November 2009, 1pm–2pm Join Jo Digger and Keiko Higashi for a talk and audio description of selected artworks from the House of Fairy Tales exhibition.
Rachel Whiteread, Storytime, 2007
Exhibitions Walsall Society of Artists 60th Annual exhibition
Serena Korda, Library of Secrets, 2008
Art Library & Archive Interested in art and want to find out more? Visit our Art Library, a free resource open to everyone. Whether it’s help with homework, or a one off enquiry, there are members of staff available to help you.
The Library of Secrets:
Serena Korda
1 October — 29 November 2009 Artist Serena Korda has taken The Library of Secrets to various locations inviting visitors to leave their thoughts and secrets within her collection of books.
She will also hold the following events:
Book Sniffing Night
Thursday 22 Oct, 6-8pm
Serena will discuss the art of book sniffing with Mark Fereli.
The Great Book Club Debate Thursday 5 Nov, 6-8pm
Discussing Lady Chatterley’s Lover and ideas around literary censorship.
Nose Casting Workshop Saturday 21 Nov, 12-4pm
Epstein actively campaigned against the British Museum’s restoration of statue’s missing body parts. Help us create a new archive of fragments in this family friendly workshop.
Free Regular Events
Baby Palace
Fridays: 23 Oct, 27 Nov, 18 Dec Three sessions each day: 10.30-11.30am; 12pm-1pm; 2pm-3pm Every month we create a magical multi sensory room for you and your baby to take some time out and explore new smells, sights and senses! This is a great chance to meet other parents in a relaxed and friendly environment. Please book in advance on 01922 654 400.
Art Cart
The Art Cart comes out every weekend to help you explore our collections. It has different activities and moves somewhere new in the gallery every month.
Frisky Bags
These are rucksacks stuffed full of activities to help you explore the gallery and its collections. Ask to borrow one from reception and explore as a family. Great for family groups with 6-12 year olds.
Adult Taster Sessions
Plaster Carving
Saturday 3 October, 12pm-2pm
Inspired by our collection of wooden carvings, create a carving out of soap or plaster. Drop in. All Abilities welcome!
Design by Stereographic
PARTY!
12 February — 18 April 2010
Party! is an exhibition designed to celebrate ten years of achievement. The exhibition will contain a consciously eclectic selection of artists, mostly contemporary, though some modern and historic works will also appear. The party theme extends across music, song and dance, performance, bar culture, food and drink, dress and decorations. Amongst the air of celebration, there will lurk darker undercurrents and a more sinister edge!
The exhibition will bring together newly commissioned and existing works by a range of artists including Jonathan Allen, David Batchelor, Angela Bulloch, Vanley Burke, Kent Christensen, Cathy Daley, David Ersser, Gilbert & George, Anne Hardy, Juneau Projects, Seamus Nicolson, Martin Parr, Peter Peri, Eric Ravilious, Pierre Auguste Renoir, David Shrigley, Juergen Teller, Sam Taylor Wood, Spencer Tunick, Gavin Turk, Daisy de Villeneuve, Jane Wilbraham, Gillian Wearing and Zhang Peng.
Disclaimer: every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this edition of What’s On, which was correct at the time of publication. Walsall Council cannot be held responsible for any changes.
Zhang Peng, Gold Fish, 2006. C-Print, 120 x 120 cm Courtesy of the artist and Eli Klein Fine Art
In February 2010, The New Art Gallery celebrates its tenth birthday!
Opening times
Monday – Saturday & Bank Holidays 10am-5pm / Sunday 11am-4pm Library: 10am-5pm Tuesday – Saturday
Shop
Find the perfect gift for you or a friend in our specialist art shop; exhibition catalogues, art books, postcards, notebooks, jewellery and much more.
Costa
Open 8.30am-5.30pm Monday – Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sundays.
Mailing List
Sign up to our free e-bulletin and receive regular preview invitations, monthly newsletters and events information.
Facilities Hire
The New Art Gallery Walsall Gallery Square Walsall WS2 8LG 01922 654400 Text phone: 0845 1112910 Visit our brand new website thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk
Access guides and alternative versions of all printed materials are available on request. For more information please contact Ioannis Ioannou on 01922 654404 or email ioannoui@walsall.gov.uk
The gallery is available for corporate events and meetings, email us on info@thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk to book your event and make the most of our unique venue.
Talks & Tours
Bring a group and book for a guided tour of the Garman Ryan Collection, visit our website for more information.
Education
For a full schools and colleges programme visit our website or contact 01922 654400.