We look at what's in store when the British Arts Show 7 comes to Nottingham
Haunted Karaoke
A mix of both established and emerging artists - Aaron Williamson, Kirsten Norris, Jack Catling, Jenna Finch and Sian Robinson Davies - will be using music and comedy to challenge the idea of entertainment. Held in The Space, the multi-purpose facility located in the depths of Nottingham Contemporary, each artist will present solo works under a spotlight. Afterwards, everyone piles into Café.Bar.Contemporary for drinks and the chance to have a go at Haunted Karaoke yourself.
Nottingham Contemporary, Thursday 7 October, 8pm - 11pm, free
In Production
Local filmmakers Ellie Harrison, Ben Judd and Sandrea Simons are the three selected artists who will each be screening a new work before a discussion with the audience. In Production will be a great chance to get an insight into the process and ideas behind each film.
Nottingham Contemporary, Tuesday 12 October, 7pm - 8.30pm, free
Matthew Darbyshire
As an anti-consumerism installation artist, Matthew Darbyshire will be presenting images of his previous projects and discussing the new works that he has produced for BAS7. Using contemporary design that ranges from designer furniture to Nike trainers, as well as items he has made himself, Darbyshire will be exploring personal taste and social aspirations. His work reconsiders objects, questioning how they have been appropriated by corporations, property developers – and art galleries. Expect bright colours, witty analysis and astute cultural observations.
Nottingham Contemporary, Thursday 4 November, 6pm – 8pm, free
The Night of the Comet
If you can’t face the Forest, this Bonfire Night art event will include music, performance and poetry inspired by the H.G. Wells novel In the Days of the Comet – the subtitle of British Art Show 7. An examination of astrology, history, infinity and the Apocalypse with writer and live artist Michael Pinchbeck, Mike Chavez-Dawson and Len Horsey. One treat will be that the galleries will be open late and there will also be DJs to create a soundtrack to the evening. Free sparklers and Dirty Snowball cocktails a-plenty..
Nottingham Contemporary, Friday 5 November, 6pm - 10pm, free
Roger Hiorns
Proving that science, art and beauty can go hand in hand, Roger Hiorns will be discussing his recent sculpture, including the new work made for the BAS7. Previously nominated for the Turner Prize in 2009, Hiorns has worked with fire, foam, copper sulphate and animal remains to explore the physical and psychological resonances of material. An intriguing young artist who will no doubt be provide a more than interesting way to spend a couple of hours.
Nottingham Contemporary, Thu 11 November, 6pm – 8pm, free
Critic’s Circle
Join three distinguished art critics - Gilda Williams (London correspondent of Artforum), JJ Charlesworth (Associate Editor of ArtReview magazine) and Sam Thorne (Associate Editor of Frieze magazine) - as they discuss what they might write about British Art Show 7. They will examine the reviews of the exhibition in a What The Papers Say stylee, and take a look at the 35 year history of the British Art Show.
Nottingham Contemporary, Wednesday 24 November, 7pm - 8.30pm, free
George Shaw
The Notts-based artist will be discussing the literary and musical influences in his work alongside references to art history, Brought up in Coventry, he later studied at Sheffield Polytechnic and the Royal College of Art and has since worked as a teacher in Nottingham. His work is unique in that he uses Humbrol enamel paint, usually reserved for Airfix models, to create incredibly detailed paintings of the Midlands council estates of his childhood.
Nottingham Contemporary, Thursday 18 November, 6pm - 8pm, free
Family Play and Learn
Why let the thirty nine selected artists have all the fun? Nottingham Contemporary will have weekly family workshops to get involved with, and all for nowt. We’ve been reliably informed that no formal art skills are required, just imagination and fun. The workshops will be led by NC’s Associate Artists who are experts in working to create, play and learn
and who will be following the themes of the BAS7 - exploring the past and present, parallel universes and going on journeys.
Nottingham Contemporary, every Saturday and Sunday, 23 October - 9 January, 1pm - 4pm, free.
British Art Show 7: In the Days of the Comet, Nottingham Contemporary, New Art Exchange and Nottingham Castle, 23 October – 9 January. Free.
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