SURFACE TENSION is an innovative community arts project aiming to connect creativity across Portsmouth. Aspex is working in partnership with people from Strong Island, the University of Portsmouth and Victorious Festival to commission three artists to generate new artwork, supported by creative industries students from the University.
These artworks will be located at Victorious Festival in Summer 2017, inspired by and made using recycled materials. A trail map will direct visitors to each artwork and will promote interaction either physically, through encouraging participation in an arts activity, or digitally by uploading photographs and comments to social media. In September the work will return to Aspex where it will be showcased in a final exhibition.
The artwork will respond to the themes of recycling, repurposing and the natural environment, inspired by Aspex’s current exhibition everything comes from the egg, which comprises of reused and repurposed work made by artist Stephen Turner whilst living in a wooden egg-shaped vessel for one year.
The commissioned artists are: Paul Gonella and Tristan Savage (Strong Island); Rainatu Habib (University of Portsmouth, Illustration Graduate) – who will act as Aspex’s artist-in-residence for the August period; Megan Humphries – who will create a community artwork, engaging the people of Portsmouth through participatory workshops in the lead up to the Festival. SURFACE TENSION also see’s the professional development of six creative industries students from the University of Portsmouth.
Check out the full list of events that are going on throughout August, with special mention of our Artist Talk at Aspex Gallery on Thursday 17th August.
The project is kindly supported by Centric Signs, Gibson Whitter, Gunwharf Quays and the Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries at the University of Portsmouth.
2nd August – 24th August
Aspex Artist-in-Residence: Rainatu Habib
Habib will be creating her artwork for SURFACE TENSION in Aspex’s Artist’s Studio throughout August. Pop in and say hello!
17 August, 6 – 8pm
#ThirdThursdays Artist Talk: Strong Island
Commissioned artists Strong Island will be discussing their creative and professional practices. Tickets are just £3.00.
Book your place HERE.
17th August
Holiday Art Club: Plants & Paper
For ages 11 – 15 years
Led by artist Rainatu Habib, who specialises in creating unique paper flowers. Artworks constructed in this workshop will be made from recycled materials, paying homage to Portsmouth’s green spaces.
20th August 1 – 3pm
EVOLVE Workshop
Megan Humphries will lead a free nature and recycling inspired arts workshop for young adults (aged 15 and older) with special educational needs and disabilities.
24 August
Holiday Art Club: Festival Fever
For ages 8 – 12 years.
The artwork created in this workshop will be taken offsite to Victorious Festival, to be seen by close-to 120,000 people. Following this, it will return for an exhibition at Aspex. Those involved will be invited back for a special celebration event in September.
Book your place HERE.
Every Saturday, 11am – 1pm
Family Saturdays
These free drop-in workshops are the perfect opportunity for children and their parents to get creative – and it’s completely free! August’s activities are inspired by themes of recycling and repurposing.
Every Wednesday (1 – 4pm) & Sunday (11am – 4pm)
Megan Humphries: Artwork production in progress
Artist Megan Humphries will be constructing her #SURFACETENSIONUK artwork in Aspex’s Learning Space, revealing her creative process.
Website: www.aspex.org.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aspexgallery
Twitter: www.twitter.com/aspexportsmouth
Instagram: www.instagram.com/aspexportsmouth
Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/aspex
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