A HOST of colorful and exciting events and exhibitions will fill Gallery Oldham over the next month.
For more information call 0161 770 4653 or log onto www.galleryoldham.org.uk
Exhibitions
The Artists Folio: as a site of inquiry (until 9 July)
This unique exhibition presents a selection of folios from the collections of Cartwright Hall in Bradford. The exhibition spans a printmaking renaissance over the 1960s, 70s and 80s, including work by Sonia Boyce, David Hockney, Hew Locke, L. S. Lowry, Chris Ofili, and William Rothenstein. A folio is a group of works designed to be seen together. In this way they tell a different story to an individual print. The folios have been selected to represent a wide range of approaches to this idea, from the narrative through to the conceptual, and are shown here in their entirety. Curated by Professor Paul Coldwell, University of the Arts, London and Bradford Museums and Galleries.
The Fragile Moorland (until 4 June)
At the heart of this exhibition is the ‘Mor’ series of artworks by Margaret Uttley, focusing on man’s relationship with our unique and highly important peat moorland. Her work is amplified through a selection of items from Gallery Oldham’s own collections of fine art, natural history and archaeology with their own links to the moors. Margaret has also taken inspiration from the Gallery’s collections – incorporating archaeology found on the moors into some of her work. Examples of wildlife from our natural history collections are also on display in an exhibition that celebrates the hostile beauty of our unique moorland landscape.
Oldham Stories: Encounters with our collections (permanent exhibition)
In response to feedback from our visitors we launch a new permanent exhibition packed full of Oldham stories. This is your chance to see some of our most treasured artefacts alongside items that might just surprise you. We bring together objects from our natural history, social history and art collections to look again at Oldham’s past and present. We tell the stories of a range of local figures such as suffragette Annie Kenney, the pioneering natural history collector James Nield and popular artist Helen Bradley. Artwork on show includes important British paintings from the Charles Lees Collection as well as paintings by artists that illustrate local scenes and characters. Oldham Stories also includes lots of family activities. Follow our Owl Trail, try on hats found in some of the paintings or make a badge as a souvenir of your visit.
The Current Situation (28 May – 17 September) Yara El-Sherbini creates contemporary art which is accessible, playful and can be enjoyed by all. Over the last 10 years her artworks have used recognisable formats, such as quizzes, gameshows and jokes. In her forthcoming show at Gallery Oldham she invites us to navigate the world’s borders using her enormous interactive sculpture. This giant buzz-wire will prove that it is nearly as hard to travel across the world’s borders in theory as it is in practice. Check Gallery Oldham’s website for details of how you can become involved in Yara’s exhibition. There will be a chance to take part in her pub quiz, enter her word search competition and more.
Last chance to see
Sculpting stories! (until May 14)
This exhibition highlights the sculptural delights nestling in the collections of Greater Manchester Museums. The show includes significant names from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, including works by Elizabeth Frink, Jacob Epstein, Laura Ford and Arthur Dooley from Gallery Oldham’s own collections. Go Figure explores the many and varied ways in which artists have responded to and represented the human form over the past 100 years.
Displays in our foyer
The Gallery Foyer has a permanent display of items from our collections. It is also the place to look out for smaller pop-up exhibitions throughout the year.
Moors for the Future (May 9 to 27)
To coincide with our Fragile Moorland exhibition this display showcases some of the very best photographs of moorland wildlife.
Last chance to see
In Fine Style: The Dancehall Art of Wilfred Limonious (Until 6 May)
The first solo retrospective of prolific Jamaican illustrator, Wilfred Limonious (1949–99). Tracing his career from newspaper comic strips to his distinctive artwork for the burgeoning dancehall scene coming out of 1980s Jamaica.
Community Gallery
The Community Gallery features work by groups or individuals who live or work in Oldham, or anyone whose subject matter relates to Oldham. Do you have an exhibition proposal? Please contact Joy Thorpe on 0161 770 4663 or email joy.thorpe@oldham.gov.uk
Whatchamacallit? Around the World in 24 Objects (14 May – 2 July)
This photographic exhibition features work from our ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) learners. By taking a chosen object from their home country it shows the pride individuals feel in their heritage and the diversity of our communities.
Last chance to see
Garry Holt: Hidden in the Back Seat of my Head (until 17 May)
Garry Holt’s thought provoking collage pieces reflect moods which may be dark, funny, tearful or joyous. Garry first practiced the art of collage from his hospital bed as part of an arts therapy course and his work has gone from strength to strength.
Gallery Talks
Our monthly talks are free, informal and last around 40 minutes with time for discussion afterwards. There is no need to book. If you are bringing a group of more than five please contact the Gallery on 0161 770 4742 beforehand.
Wednesday 18 May, 2pm: Find out more about the Artists Folios on display.
Adult Art and Craft Courses
Drypoint Printing (Saturday 14 May, 10am–4pm)
Take inspiration from The Artists Folio exhibition and try this quick and easy printing technique. Cost: £20 including materials.
Behind the Scenes
While many of our exhibitions contain objects from the collections it is not possible to show everything permanently. We run special tours of our stores to look at objects that are not currently on view. Sessions are free but please consider a suggested £3 voluntary donation to support the work of the gallery. Booking is essential on 0161 770 4742.
Tuesday 10 May, 2pm: Natural History Collections
Super Saturdays
Be inspired by our exhibitions! We’ve artist led craft activities, painting, drawing and creative fun for all the family on the first Saturday of the month. Free – no need to book, just drop in from 12noon–4pm. Activities are most suitable for children aged 4–10 years
Saturday 7 May
The Small Cinema
Bringing cinema back to Oldham – Every month we hosts a children’s classic in The Performance Space.
The Good Dinosaur (PG) (Saturday 21 May, 2pm): Pixar’s beautiful journey into the world of dinosaurs.
Visit www.thesmallcinema.com for bookings and full listings. Tickets cost £3.50 and include a goodie bag for children. You can reserve tickets at the welcome desk or call 0161 770 4742.
Activities for Young People
Museums at Night (Thursday 12 May, 5–8pm)
Join us for a special evening of fun for all the family. Explore the gallery exhibitions and a range of illuminating creative activities with Hack Oldham. Free – no need to book, just drop in. Activities most suitable for ages 10 and up.
Festival Oldham (Saturday 28 May, 12noon–4pm)
Creativity and science collide at this year’s Festival Oldham. Try your hand at a mad experiment and explore a galaxy of innovation in our family art workshops. Plus lots more to discover as we mark Manchester being the European City of Science 2016. Call 0161 770 3070 for more details.
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