This December, 25 artists, curated by Tobais Ferguson, working with Artist-Led St Helens, present an ambitious group exhibition in one of the most ambitious new gallery spaces in Merseyside.
The theme is transformation and change, with reference to the body’s circadian rhythms. It will, I imagine, be informed in part by its relationship to the town as an arts ecosystem, and one that is striving to become a better place to exist as an artist.
The artists include Auraleth, Leona Ann, Joao Coelho, Tina Culshaw, Jean Fearns, Karen Hitchcock, Joseph Hughes, Erin Kinvig, Oliver S, Maja Lorkowska-Callaghan, Olivia McIntosh, Jessica McGlashan, Rianna McArthur, Meta Mezan, Mark Peachey, Dave Proffitt, Amy Rose, Noufa Shabeer, Gemma Shannon, Kate Spragg, Rachel Spencer, Stephanie Trujillo, Laura Turner, Jayne Walsh & Bethany Wilding.
Joao Coelho’s diorama sculptures of forgotten builds around St Helens are utterly breathtaking, having featured earlier this year in an exhibition at The World of Glass for Independents Biennial.
Stephanie Trujillo’s work across the Independents Biennial is still ongoing, following hugely successful exhibitions at St George’s Hall and the Bridewell exploring Peruvian heritage and links to coastal climate reflections in Peru and across the Mersey coast.
Mark Peachey’s recent photographic work has focussed heavily on the changing landscape and redevelopment of St Helens, and featured alongside other local photographers in The World of Glass’s Back Streets and Bright Walls last month.
These artists are invested in St Helens. They care about the place, and where its going, but they know equally well where its been, so this December, Tobias Ferguson’s curated approach to bringing them all together in the town’s newest venue, is heavily intentional.
It’s sort of indirectly focussed on the power of artists here to transform their own space through their practice, without necessarily having to make work about it. If you’ve not visited Street and a Half yet its worth getting to know. There’s a wonderful intentionality about it as a building, and this group of artists are gong to do something exceptional here.
On 5th December, there’s a preview evening for the exhibition, which runs through to 14th December, so make sure you find a window to see it while its up.
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Shift is open at Street and a Half (11 Haydock Street, WA10 1DD) from 6th-14th December
Previews 5th December, 6-9pm – book at shiftexhibition.eventbrite.com