ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

STATE OF THE ART

Birthright: Journeys of Reconnection, Rainmaker Gallery, until 6 November This exhibition brings together two artists from different backgrounds who share a common experience. It documents the ongoing journeys of cultural reconnection by Wiradjuri and British painter Jasmine Coe and Muscogee (Creek) and AustrianAmerican textile artist Melinda Schwakhofer. Both artists grew up geographically and culturally separated from their respective Indigenous families. Reaching out to their estranged communities has profoundly affected their creative expression. Through textile, painting and printmaking, art has provided a vehicle for cultural exploration, self-determination, selfrealisation and a sense of belonging. In a post-colonial world, millions of people find themselves growing up at distance from their ancestral homelands. The show is dedicated to all people experiencing journeys of cultural disconnection or reconnection.

• rainmakerart.co.uk

Image: Flowing River Ripples, by Jasmine Coe

Coming Up for Air: Stephen Gill –A Retrospective, Arnolfini, throughout November

Arnolfini is currently celebrating over thirty years of extraordinary practice from Bristol-born photographer Stephen Gill, drawing together new previously un-exhibited work, alongside works from other iconic series including

Hackney Flowers, Buried, Talking to Ants, Night Procession, Pigeons, Coexistence and Coming up for Air. Also featuring the first UK presentation of images from award winning photographic series and book The Pillar, the exhibition will explore Gill’s rich sense of place, leading us through the flea markets and towpaths of Hackney Wick in London, to his current rural surroundings amidst the Swedish countryside. Free entry. Exhibition slots bookable in advance. Walk-ins may be available on the day.

• arnolfini.org.uk Image: From The Pillar 2015 – 2019 © Stephen Gill

The RWA Collection - Our Heritage, Our Future, until 27 November Joining two recent acquisitions by Albert Irvin, the exhibition includes historic works by many of the RWA’s well-known members, such as Mary Fedden, Julian Trevelyan, Anne Redpath, David Inshaw and Dame Elisabeth Frink, as well as contemporary works by recent members such as Adelaide Damoah, Paul Thirkell and Leslie Glenn Damhus. Many of the historic works, still as fresh and interesting as when they were first produced, will receive their first showing in many years, in the largest exhibition of the collection in recent times. The exhibition aims to celebrate the diversity of styles, genres and media which has created a collection of significance in the South West; a legacy of beauty and creativity for everyone to enjoy for years to come.

• rwa.org.uk

Image: Agnes Augusta Talboys ARWA, Three Of Us, oil on canvas, 51cm diameter. RWA Collection. Photo copyright RWA (Royal West of England Academy).

Maybe Southwest Charity Fundraiser, Room 212, throughout November

Gloucester Road gallery Room 212 will be hosting an art exhibition and prize draw to raise funds for Maybe Southwest, a mental health charity based in Bristol, working with children, young people and adults. Artists have submitted artworks to be displayed throughout November, leading up to the North Bristol Art Trail on the weekend of 26 to 28 November. This popular art trail will be celebrating its 20th year so it’s apt to use the occasion to highlight the enormous benefit of art therapy, especially for younger people. All the artwork will be offered as prizes in a draw, with tickets available at Room 212 and online throughout the month. The draw will take place at the end of the North Bristol Art Trail.

• room212.co.uk

Image: artwork by Huw Richards Evans

Mellow, Lime Tree Gallery, until 16 November

An exciting exhibition of beautifully subtle and tonal paintings by Scottish artist Michael Clark is appearing at Lime Tree Gallery this month. Speaking about the exhibition, Clark says: “The paintings are autobiographical, a response to my surroundings and if in my daydreams I find our garden in spring, I also find France in summer and autumn. Out of the chaos of recent times this collection of calm new work has emerged.”

• limetreegallery.com

Image: The Salon, Rue Royale, by Michael G Clark PAI RSW