The current show at the Grundy Art Gallery focuses on light, the moving imge and the work of neurodivergent and disabled artists. David Simper popped in on Saturday to see what this work was about.
This show features a number of sub-exhibitions and different artists, spread between the foyer, main and two side galleries. These are based around the concept of STIM cinema, established by the Neurocultures Collective with aims to provide opportunity for neurodivergent creatives. The collected works explore light and the moving image.
The pieces focus on the concept of stimming. Stimming can be defined as the practice of physical repetition as a way of taking sensory pleasure in recurrence and is a common trait of the autistic experience.
On entering the foyer, one finds work by Amy Ellison (Cocktail Drawing 2019/20) and Tony Heaton OBE (Raspberry Ripple 2018), which I remember from his own exhibition some time ago and which is now part of The Grundy collection. Amy is a photographer, print-maker, textile artist and illustrator. Tony is a sculptor and long-time disability arts and rights activist.
Moving further forward into the gallery, a number of zeotrope (early spinning cinematic devices) are set up for the visitor to try. I have to admit that I didn’t get much out of these, but I might not have been using them correctly. The concept is excellent as it leads into the main gallery display. The intended effects are presented as videos in the side galleries.
The main gallery’s left long wall (viewing from the entrance) is taken by a number of projection screens, which offer a mesmeric 16 minute video loop based on an eye-tracking test for neurodivergency. This is very well-conceptualised, planned and executed. It’s quite difficult to follow due to the different screens and there is quite a lot going on. My issue with these video pieces is that one tends to arrive halfway through, see the latter half and then watch the start, trying to sort out the piece’s trajectory out in one’s head. Nevertheless, this is an excellent piece of work.
The final gallery offers work by Conor Gavin and Candice Swallow (framed pieces using repeated mark-making gestures). These artists are founder members of The pARTnership, creative and professional development project for artists with a learning disability. The Grundy has led this initiative and it’s been delivered in cooperation with lead artist, Tina Dempsey
The gallery also presents work from its collection from Nicola Dale and Rachel Goodyear, alongside other screen-based work from the Neurodivergent Collective.
This is an absorbing exhibtion with many fine individual pieces and the overall concept works well. Put aside plenty of times to watch and assimmilate the pieces and their message. This is an exhibition that relaxes. It highlights the creativity of the nerodivergent and disabled effectively, helping us to see the world through their eyes.
The show continues until 14th December 2024.
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