I have recently been included in an article for Sphere Magazine! The journalist Martin-Guttridge Hewitt picked his three favourite art works from last month's Buy Art Fair and my work was one of them!
'SPHERE took a trip to Cottonopolis for Manchester’s Buy Art Fair. With over 80 galleries and 350 artists exhibiting for three days it was some task to bring you the best from the alt-art set. We managed it, and got them down to our choice three… '
I have a couple of things to share this week;Firstly Ellen Von Unwerth, who I featured in a post a few weeks back is now exhibiting in London with a show called 'Fraulein'. The model turned photographer has been creating provocative sexually charged images for 15 years and this show highlights some of her favourite pieces from over that time. I wish I could see the work while it's up!
Ellen Von Unwerth's 'Fraulein' Michael Hoppen GalleryLondon Until 28th November 2009
Secondly and somewhat bizzarely I noticed a strange mix of religious iconography and sensuality this morning;My studio is situated opposite Salford Cathedral where the relics of St Therese of Lisieux were recently displayed as part of their journey to religious sites around the world.
I've always meant to pop into the cathedral as it is very impressive from the outside and I like visiting old churches etc as I like the architecture and atmosphere. The Cathedral still has lots of images of St Therese including banners, one of which had this image and tagline printed on it:
I do not regret having surrendered myself to Love
It struck me that this was an interesting choice of words to put with a picture that showed a woman who looks like she could be; A. in religious rapture B. in sensual rapture C. asleep D. dead. There are so many layers of meaning between the image and the text. It really made me think about how interpretations of spirituality and sensuality have been mixed together over time, almost as if they could be one and the same? (incidentally, she is dead in this photo! but I didn't know that until I looked it up)Here are some other examples of classic sensual religious iconography:
The ecstasy of St Teresa by Bernini 1647 -52
'Ecstase', Pierre and Gilles 2002
For an interesting article about Pierre and Gilles click HERE.
Another way of exploring the link would be to see what happens when you place the words spoken by St Therese alongside other equally evocative images:
I do not regret having surrendered myself to Love
Which kind of brings me back to the image by Ellen Von Unwerth which you can see at the top of the post...
I HAD to post this as soon as I saw it! For months now I've been hearing news about Kylie Minogue's input into new Bollywood film 'Blue' where she plays herself and sings. This morning I read a little bit about it in the Metro so looked it up as soon as I knew the name of the track, Cue Chiggy Wiggy! I LOVE IT!
Now that I have just about finished rushing around like a maniac putting shows up and doing art fairs I have some time to reflect on the world around me... and what better way than to take in some culture!So here are some of the current local exhibitions I have seen or plan to see in the near future!
The American Scene, prints from Hopper to Pollock The Whitworth Art Gallery Manchester 19th September - 13th December 09
This show focuses on American artists creating prints from the 1930's. Each image explores the American Scene, the urban environment and cityscapes. The big draw here for me is the evocative pull of the pre war era; being able to experience something of what America was like for the artists during what we now consider a vintage period.I also love the work of Edward Hopper, most famous for his paintings such as Night Hawkspainted in 1942. I particularly like this image for its timeless feel, and the intense loneliness it exudes;
The Half, Photographs of actors by Simon Annand The LowrySalford Quays 19th September 09 - 3rd January 2010
I have a personal interest in this show as I helped to put it up! The work is a series of over 100 photos taken by the artist in the West End dressing rooms of some of the best known and well loved actors of the past 20 years. 'The Half' describes the 30 minutes before a stage show begins and Simon Annands pictures capture the actors as they transform from their everyday persona to the character they are about to portray. I really like the photos of Alex Kingston and Daniel Craig, and also the nation's favourite, Stephen Fry;
Angels of Anarchy, Women Artists and Surrealism Manchester Art Gallery 26th September 09 - 10th January 2010
I'm not a big surrealist fan in truth; I like my art to invite the viewer in not confuse them, however, that isn't to say I don't appreciate surrealist art and understand it's massive importance in the scheme of things. This exhibition aims to 'explore the crucial role that women artists played in the surrealist art movement' and includes work by Freida Khalo amongst others. It is also divided down into different themes including landscapes, fantasy and self portaiture.
Claude Cahun, Self Portrait 1927
Other shows worth noting include:
Fantasies, Follies and Disasters: the Prints of Francisco de Goya Manchester Art Gallery Until 31 Jan 2010
All at Sea by Gemma Parker Taurus Canal Street Manchester Until 31st Oct (Catch it while you can!) See my last post for details.
Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2009 Cornerhouse Until 25th Oct I'm hoping to see this one next week...
In Deep Water, watercolour on paper with customised frame 2009
Lots to tell you this week! firstly my collection of new work 'All at Sea' is now on show! I have been documenting the progress of this work for the past few months and it can now be seen in reality at Taurus in Manchester's famous Gay Village until the 31st Oct.Here is the write up:
In the midst of Manchester’s GayVillage a new exhibition of maritime themed art work can be found. But forget the naughty nauticals, this collection of work delivers an emotive set of tales with a splash of sauciness.
Manchester based fine artist Gemma Parker has been inspired by her love of maritime folklore and all things nautical to create her new set of work. Her fascination with vibrant sailor art has been a natural progression from her love of vintage pin up work and burlesque, both of which make an appearance in the selection of new art works.
Taking its cue from nautical slang and its everyday use, All At Sea is a collection of paintings illustrating well known phrases while influenced by traditional sailor tattoos styles and pin ups.
The work takes the viewer on a romantic and melancholic journey featuring lost loves, cruel sirens and shipwrecked sailors.
Using both acrylics and water colours the paintings bridge classic sailor tattoo style with a wistful and dreamy narrative inviting the viewer to embrace the call of the sea with all its beauty and perils.
All At Sea can be seen at Taurus on Canal Street from the 1st - 31st of October. For more information go to www.gemmaparker.co.uk
~
Gemma Parker is a fine artist who specialises in the celebration of femininity and the theatrical.
She has exhibited across the UK including ‘Ooh La La’, Britain’s first burlesque inspired art show in Nottingham and been artist in residence for the Sunderland Council art project, ‘What do you think you’re looking at…The Sunniside of burlesque’. She also takes private commissions.
Gemma is also one half of the burlesque double act The Chantilly Belles who were short listed for the best new talent award at the Big Burlesque Bout last year in Birmingham : www.myspace.com/thechantillybelles
Taurus Manchester's Award Winning Bar & Restaurant; 1 Canal Street, Manchester, M1 3HE Tel: 0161 236 4593. Opening hours; Mon - Thurs 12 noon - 11pm, Fri - Sat 12 noon to 1am, Sun 12 noon - 10.30pm
As mentioned in previous posts I have been collecting nautical paraphanalia to customise my frames with including; shells (some from my fab seaside holiday to Broadstairs) miniture anchors and ship wheels and also rope as can be seen on two of the works:
Rack and Ruin, acrylic on artist board with hemp rope 2009
The Devil to Pay, acrylic on artist board with hemp rope 2009
I've also added the real meanings behind each nautical phrase so when you see the show you will also get a bit of maritime history as well as the art work!
Other news:
Buy Art Fairwent brilliantly! It was wonderful to have work on display as part of such a high prestige event. Artists such as Peter Blake and Damien Hirst also had work on show and the whole building looked amazing decked out in original art which was seen by over 5000 visitors during it's three day run!
My three works from my Bon Bons series can be seen along the left hand side of the stall
The Urbis Creatives stand was very impressive and I sold some work. One of my images was also used to represent the stand in the official catalogue. It was a good experience and a very exciting one too!
Show and Tell
Urbis Creatives also has a new exhibition running right NOW called Show and Tell. Members will be showcasing their work for the next three weeks at Urbis in the heart of Manchester. I am showing work from my 'My Baby's Got a Secret' series. Over the exhibition period members will be on hand to talk about their work as the title of the show suggests! Hope to see you there!
Peppermint Pattie 2008 acrylic on canvas30cm x 30cm
I will be taking part in Manchester's hugely successful Buy Art Fair next week! With more than 80 galleries showing the work of over 370 artists all available to buy.
In addition the fair offers a whole host of FREE activities for experienced and novice art collectors to enjoy!
I will be situated on the second floor as part of the Urbis Creatives stall, this will be a fab opportunity for you to come along and see my work up close and maybe treat yourself to a little decadence!
About my work on sale:
Bon Bons is a series of decadent derrières encased in the finest of wrappings. Playfully using the French slang which describes the area between the waist and thighs, this work sees a selection of peachy behinds all themed on sweeties and chocolates. Each painting is enhanced by ice cream colours and sugary titles, and with the range including strawberry fondants to jellybeans, there should be a flavour to tempt anyone's taste buds.
This has been a really successful series and there are only a limited number of Bon Bons left to buy!
Other news:
It's been busy busy busy recently as the deadline for my exhibition of nautical tattoo inspired paitnings draws nearer! The show of select watercolours and acylics will go on show on the 1st Oct at Taurus in Manchester's Gay Village. I'm getting all the bits and pieces finalised at the mo, and even wondering whether I have time to do an extra painting before the show! I've had a new idea for one!BTW the show is to be called 'All at Sea'.
Also I will be showing work at Urbis form the 29th Sept to the 12th Oct. This will as part of a collective exhibition by Urbis Creatives called 'Show and Tell' More info to follow!
Hi guys! Apologies for not posting anything last week, I was on a fabulous holiday in Broadstairs in Kent! Sunshine, seaside and lots of exploring and fun.
Now I find myself back in rainy Manchester working nonstop at several jobs (part time and casual) whilst pulling my exhibition of nautical artwork together for October, to be shown in Taurus in Manchester's Gay Village. Due to this overload of projects my posts may be sporadic in the coming weeks.
But in an attempt to recapture some of the seaside magic here's some of the things that inspired and uplifted me on my hols!:
Shell Grotto
This awe inspiring landmark resides in Margate in Kent. No-one knows why the Shell Grotto was built or even when! The legend goes that in 1835 a duck pond was being dug for farmland, the earth collapsed to reveal a hole in the ground. The farmer lowered his son down the hole to find out what it was. The son returned with tales of underground tunnels decorated from floor to ceiling in shells!
There are definately symbolic patterns within the shells and the altar room has many suns and moons amongst the shells. It is a magical mysterious place and well worth the visit!
The Sea
We spent many an hour roaming the beach searching for shells to customise my nautical paintings' frames. Along with the winkles and limpets we found clams, whelks and a few mussels too. The rockpools were the most fun, where you can gaze into mini eco systems full of different seaweeds crabs and shellfish!
I loved being near the sea! It is so full of character, ever moving and changing. The sound of the waves was both exhilerating and very calming. There is nothing quite like running into the sea and feeling the sand shift under your feet!
The sea by moonlight
Canterbury Cathedral
This amazing place is something of a love of mine. Nearly a 1000 years old Canterbury Cathedral is again a magical site and much has happened here over its long history. It was also the focal point of the travellers from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
I enjoy the enormity of the place, and the full rich atmosphere it exudes. There is so much to see including the tomb of the Black Prince complete with his original armour, the spot where Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170 was murdered (a candle burns continuoulsy on the spot he was killed) not to leave out the'Ghost in the Wall' in the crypt! I love love love it!
A naked lady is hidden in the stone work of the Cathedral Precinct gate, can you spot her?
