Project Pigeon

Orbitecture, curated by Cedar Lewisohn and Andrew Hunt, examines current trends in contemporary art through the work of mainly young artists who deal with important social issues. These include ecological, political and ethical matters, which are often seen through the idealistic perspective of youth. Featuring painting, sculpture, film and music, the exhibition looks at possible alternative ways of living outside of the mainstream and asks if rebellion is still possible. For these artists the crossover between art and life is apparently seamless, their work becoming a product of their philosophy. This project showcases a group of works that engage with these issues with innovative forms and formats. D.I.Y aesthetics are an overriding stylistic theme of the work. Added to the contemporary works is the inclusion of Gerd Arntz. This historic inclusion grounds the contemporary pieces in a lineage and tradition while also showing us that as much as times change, they also stay the same. Optimism and pessimism often walk hand in hand in these works, a sign perhaps that there are no clear cut answers, only more questions.

The show includes several works from outside of the fine art arena, such as music videos and documentation material. By placing this work into a new context, the exhibition hopes to question the areas where art and protest are happening today. Can a pop video have more political residence than art work? What are the social implications of the shape of the buildings we live and work in? Is Orbitecture the answer?

Includes: Gerd Arntz, Pim Conradi, Romain Gavras, Head Gallery, Man Like Me, Alastair MacKinven, Stephen Molyneux, Laura Oldfield Ford, David Osbaldeston, PLANNINGTOROCK, Francis Thorburn.

Exhibition Preview Event: Friday 21 January, 3.30pm
Free, all welcome
The exhibition curators will introduce their ideas behind the exhibition and lead a tour with participating artists Alastair MacKinven, Man Like Me, Stephen Molyneux, Laura Oldfield Ford, David Osbaldeston and Francis Thorburn.

Supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Image above:
Laura Oldfield Ford
From the series 'London 2013, Drifting Through the Ruins'
Pen and ink on paper
Courtesy of Hales Gallery and the artist Copyright the artist 2011