Monday, January 19, 2009

On Land





On Land by Malcolm Attryde

photos from the launch night.

An exhibition featuring new works by artist Malcolm Attryde. His paintings, collages and constructions utilise a semi-abstract language of atmosphere, depth and texture, in response to places, landscapes, memories and relationships.

17th Jan - 15th March
Rochester Art Gallery
Medway Visitor Information Centre,
First Floor, 95 High Street,
Rochester, Kent ME1 1LX
Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm Sun 10.30am - 5pm
Free Admission

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Nucleus Rochester

Nucleus Rochester
73 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1LX.

Over 80 artists, designers, musicians and writers from Medway exhibiting work, all for sale, this is well worth checking out. Its open until xmas so get in there and buy an original artwork, book or CD.











Tuesday, November 11, 2008

'The Importance of Elsewhere'

Final view of 'elsewhere'


All are invited to a last chance view of 'The Importance of Elsewhere' at the Old Registry Office in Chatham, 114 Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4DJ this Sunday 16th November 12 noon to 3pm

The Importance of Elsewhere - a happening at the old registry office

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Meetings about Meetings

19th June 2008 - International Scenography Conference, Stockholm

Stockholm is precise, clean and expensive. There is no visible poverty. The congress is a cross -section of scenographers and theatre architects from around the world - participants from well established and facilitated theatre cultures to Kenya where even the concept of theatre as any kind of profession barely exists.

For the delegate from Kenya it is his first time in Europe and the chill factor in Stockholm is an even greater culture shock than for the rest of us.

Meetings are meetings the world over and by the end of the first one we are wondering why as a rule we spend more time reviewing what was done at the last one than planning what should be happening at the next. All this slowed further by trying to respect the cultural protocol of other nations.

As always, coffee breaks are when you learn most, just from talking to people and I hear of plans to create a version of Madam Butterfly in the Phillipines set in the Muslim community that has existed there since the 19th century, yet still has a less than easy relationship with the indigenous population. These are artists taking very real risks with the work that they make, theatre at its most powerful, staging living issues at a remove in time in order to reflect contemporary society back at itself.

In the afternoon we visit Drottingholm, one of the most intact 18th century theatres in the world. Walking in is like being allowed secret entry to a life-size Pollock's toy theatre. It is lit by simulated candlelight and is still in full mechanical working order. these mechanisims are not even iron or steel but wood. With a crew of 15 -30,scene changes took place in a matter of seconds.

Here was an international resident company assembled by the Queen, and like in all old theatres , their presence is still felt. This was where the audience came to flirt, to parade and to be entertained. The stage for them viewed in much the same way as we view film and television today.

Fiona

Friday, June 13, 2008

Museum of Tales

The excellent project 'Museum of Tales' first exhibition is now open at the New Art Centre gallery, here are a few pics from the opening night.

Museum of Tales: Chatham Town Tales presents a rich tapestry of illustrated yarns woven from history and beyond, inspired by material and manuscripts submitted by members of the public and reconstructed by illustrator Mark Barnes.

The culmination of a yearlong public art project created by Mark Barnes as winner of the Chatham Vines Public Art Award sponsored by Medway Renaissance, this exhibition will undoubtedly take you by surprise. Witty, informative and inventive, Museum of Tales guarantees one thing: you’ll never look at Chatham with the same eyes again!

Museum of Tales: Chatham Town Tales runs from Friday 13th June – Saturday 21st June 2008, 10am-5pm at Nucleus Gallery. Admission free.