Liverpool Biennial with In-Situ presents
Krzysztof Wodiczko: Guests
Northlight (Brierfield) Mill
20 May – 11 June 2017
Former Brierfield Mill in Pendle to host international artist Krzysztof Wodiczko.
In-Situ, Pendle’s leading artist-led organisation, will launch an exhibition in the extraordinary setting of a derelict cotton mill in Brierfield.
Coming to Lancashire is acclaimed international artist Krzysztof Wodiczko (b. 1943, Warsaw, Poland). He is renowned for his large-scale public projections and interactive artworks, created in order to empower and give voice to marginalised individuals and communities.
His large-scale art installation Guests (2009), which will be on view in Brierfield from 20 May, was previously featured in the prestigious Liverpool Biennial 2016 festival of contemporary art.
In collaboration with In-Situ, Krzysztof Wodiczko will engage with Pendle’s local community, policy-makers and visitors to the area to explore issues around migration and the displacement of people around the world.
The Grade II listed building, where Guests will be presented, dates back to 1832 and is an iconic landmark in the Pendle landscape. It is currently being re-developed into a major cultural and leisure destination, re-named Northlight Mill.
Throughout its rich industrial history, the mill has played a major role in creating a diverse workforce and population, with people from South East Asia coming to live and work in Brierfield.
Paul Hartley, Director of In-Situ, said: “This project builds on In-Situ’s on-going work in Pendle, creating a space at the mill where both local people and visitors can be challenged by art that reflects important social issues. It is amazing to be hosting Krzysztof’s work here.”
Dean Langton, Pendle Council’s Strategic Director and a member of PEARL, which is leading the transformation of Brierfield Mill, added: “It is exciting to see Northlight being the venue for a temporary installation by an artist of international prominence.”
“Arts and culture are part of our ambitious masterplan for transforming this iconic mill complex and making it a destination for the North West. It is therefore great to see Liverpool Biennial collaborate with In-Situ to present this extraordinary event.”
The groundbreaking project is part of the Liverpool Biennial touring programme, which brings works by leading international artists presented at the 2016 Biennial, to venues across the North of England throughout 2017-2018. Guests is presented in partnership with FACT and PEARL.
The touring programme is supported by National Lottery funding through Arts Council England’s strategic touring fund.
Krzysztof Wodiczko: Guests is on display at Northlight (Brierfield) Mill from 20 May – 11 June 2017 and open weekends only (10am – 3pm). Free entry.
Official Launch: Saturday 20 May, 12pm
Artist Talk: Sunday 21 May, 12 – 2pm, free
Address: Northlight (Brierfield) Mill, Dale St, Brierfield BB9 5PL
For group visits, access can also be arranged on Fridays 5pm – 7pm (booking via paul@in-situ.org.uk).