AS LONG AS IT LASTS - SIMON & TOM BLOOR - curated by Gavin Wade

Wysing Arts Centre is delighted to present 'As long as it lasts' by Simon and Tom Bloor, and curated by Gavin Wade; a body of new works inspired by the artists’ interest in modernist sculpture and flawed utopias.

The Bloors have produced a series of new sculptures as unrealised proposals for public artworks inspired by the concrete ‘play sculptures’ of artists Bryan Blumer (1925-1981) and John Bridgeman (1916-2004), commissioned in the 1960’s by the City of Birmingham Public Works Department as part of the landscaping schemes for the new housing estates and redevelopment areas in the city. The Bloors’ interest in the utopian potential and the failed reality of such development projects has further led to the use of sculptural elements within the exhibition.

Echoing civic parks, urban waste grounds & regeneration zones, the works in the show explore layers of urban play by alluding to young people’s custom of colonizing open spaces, claiming them as extensions of play areas and hangouts.

For Wysing, the exhibition both reflects our pursuit of an artist’s utopia; through our studios, artists support programmes, and international residencies and retreats, and reflects Wysing’s growing collection of playful structures located on our 11 acre site; N55’s Walking House and AMPHIS - a house made from unwanted and donated items.

A limited edition A2 silkscreen print by Simon and Tom Bloor accompanies the exhibition.Edition 6, price £100 unframed.

A catalogue which has been supported by The Elephant Trust will also be available during the exhibition. www.elephanttrust.org.uk
Exhibition organised by Eastside Projects, Birmingham. www.eastsideprojects.org
Exhibition runs Sunday 12 APRIL – Sunday 10 MAY 12-5pm daily Admission FREE. Please note we are CLOSED on Bank Holidays 4th May and 25 May.

Wysing events and exhibitions are FREE and suitable for all ages.

ARTIST TALK :
Gavin Wade, artist, curator of As long as it lasts and Director of Eastside Projects will talk about his diverse artistic practice. THURSDAY 7 MAY 6-8pm.