By Vickie Fear, Programme Delivery Co-ordinator at Plymouth Arts Centre
There are more than 90 events listed for this year’s Plymouth Art Weekender so it will be impossible to see everything. This does mean however that there’s plenty to pick and choose between and there really will be something for everyone. I’ve been asked for some recommendations so here are a few of the things I’m circling on my pink map and listed here in a rough itinerary to help you plan a route (check www.plymouthartweekender.com for full address details, timings and ticket prices). Image: Karanjit Panesar.
Friday
Intercity 16, Plymouth Railway Station – if you’re arriving by train hunt this out before you head into town. It can be seen through a window at all times of day and includes work by south west fave Bridgette Ashton.
Launch of Visual Art & Public Art Plans, Lecture Theatre 2/Roland Levinsky Building/Plymouth University 4pm – Developed with Visual Arts South West and Situations respectively the plans commissioned by Plymouth Culture and Plymouth City Council are set to make a big statement about the city’s intentions for developing visual art in the coming years.
Searching for Genius, Peninsula Arts 5pm – I’m expecting quite a transformation of the University’s gallery space for this exhibition of work by Turner Prize winner Douglas Gordon, which includes ‘Feature Film’, a spectacular piece from the Artangel collection.
Sore Spot, Plymouth Arts Centre opening 6-8pm – Plymouth based artist Norman Buchan has invited Glasgow’s Jamie Kane and Emmie McLuskey to join him in a collaborative sculpture show. Open all weekend but pop in for a drink on the Friday evening to meet the artists.
Relic, Athenaeum 7-8pm – Plymouth’s Imperfect Orchestra and artist-composer Katy Richardson have collaborated on this performance about failing memory.
Video Social Club, Athenaeum 8pm – A selection of artist’s film and video on the theme ‘Post-everything’ and a bit of an after-party for the first night of PAW.
Saturday
This is Now: Film and Video After Punk, The Gallery at Plymouth College of Art – This extensive programme of works from the LUX collection includes works by the likes of John Smith, Cerith Wyn Evans and Judith Goddard. A real treat for Plymouth to have this show, though I think it’ll need a couple of visits to work through all of the videos.
The Gold Ones, Armada Way – Visual Arts Plymouth have commissioned Reactor (Bruce Asbestos, Phillip Henderson and Niki Russell) to present a bold new work in the city centre. Don’t miss out on going inside the giant robot head!
Impromptu, Athenaeum – Plymouth Arts Centre faves LOW PROFILE bring home this ICIA commissioned work with Stars in Their Eyes winner, Freddie Mercury tribute act Gary Mullen.
Sister Sister, Plymouth School of Creative Arts – Really looking forward to this exhibition by a group of top women artists currently living and working in the city, Rosie King, LOW PROFILE, Beth Emily Richards, Molly Rooke and Clare Thornton.
BimBam im Selbst & Endtroducing, KARST – The Winter/Hoerbelt exhibition promises to be interactive fun (opening Sat 7pm) and I have no doubt there will be some surprises courtesy of the KARST studio holders: Graham Guy Robinson, Andy Cluer, Rosie King, Charlie Wildy, Laura Edmunds, Carl Slater, Keith Harrison, Clare Thornton, Donna Howard, Paul Hillon.
Sunday
Rhythmic Exercises, The Pipe – Plymouth-based painter Liam Symes is having a great year: winner of the first Plymouth Young Contemporary Open and currently with an exhibition at the Exeter Phoenix, make sure you catch his solo show in the New Street space and ask for a sneaky peek into his studio at the back.
Walk, Hands, Eyes (Plymouth), Barbican Theatre – Bristol-based producers Situations have commissioned French artist Myriam Lefkowitz to bring her one-to-one performance work to Plymouth. Book in advance, takes 90 mins in whatever weather.
Karanjit Panesar Open Studio, Plymouth Arts Centre Studio 2 (entrance on Batter Street) – Only open on Sunday, pop in and meet Karanjit, our current artist in residence working with live stream and chroma keying (green screen) – last I heard he was trying to find a chocolate fondue fountain to fill with paint!
Publicness, Plymouth Arts Centre galleries – and of course whilst you’re here spend some time with Danish artist Katya Sander’s mid-career survey show. Nearly all of the works have been remade or restaged for Plymouth, including an attention grabbing piece using the graffiti from pub toilets. Remember to pick up your If You Read This I’ll Give It To You badge.
Go/df”, Plymouth Arts Centre bar and cinema 5pm – Benjamin A. Owen’s film of the same name features Dave Collett, an ageing jazz musician who although suffering from Parkinson’s disease regains full control of his body when he plays the piano. Dave and a group of musicians will play in the event combining Owen’s film with live music.
Plymouth Art Weekender maps can be collected from most participating venues including Plymouth Arts Centre. A pdf version can also be downloaded from www.plymouthartweekender.com
Listings can also be found on the free smartphone app Artory www.artory.co.uk.
Plymouth Art Weekender is organised by Visual Arts Plymouth.
Visual Arts Plymouth are finalising the timetable for a free shuttle bus around the city during Plymouth Art Weekender, keep an eye out for the published timetable on twitter #PAW16, facebook and the PAW website.
