NETWORK SPOTLIGHT: CVAN NW | Modern History Vols. II & III
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David Osbaldeston, Reconfiguration Series, 2015 Courtesy the artist and Matt’s Gallery, London
Modern History Vol. II
The Atkinson, Southport
18 August – 8 November 2015
Preview: 5 September,
12.00–15.00
Modern History Vol. III
Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre,
Greater Manchester
19 September – 21 November 2015
Preview: 18 September,
19.00–21.00
Modern History Vols. II and III are distinct group exhibitions, guest curated by internationally respected curator Lynda Morris, who has selected new commissions and existing works by national and international contemporary artists based in the North West. By taking the theme of ‘Modern History’, the exhibitions offer perspectives on cultural, social, and political change, from artists across different generations, with works reflecting on local and global issues, largely post-1969 to the present day.
Artists featured in Modern History Vol. II are: Stuart Bastik and Maddi Nicholson (Art Gene), Nina Chua, John Davies, Martin Hamblen, Margaret Harrison, Lubaina Himid, Tom Ireland, Sarah McGurk, David Osbaldeston, Christine Physick, and Natalie Wardle.
Artists featured in Modern History Vol. III are: Conrad Atkinson, Michael Butterworth, Tim Dunbar, Leo Fitzmaurice, Gaby Higgs & Bill Halliwell presented by Matthew Higgs, Lubaina Himid, Tom Lambe, Rory Macbeth, Sam Mullin, Craig Oldham, David Osbaldeston, Emma Rushton and Derek Tyman, Paul Scott, Magda Stawarska-Beavan, Grizedale Arts - The Politics of Craft, and archival material from the collection of Professor Jim Aulich.
Modern History Vol. II focuses on the body politic, landscape and urban space (from the regional to international, the personal to the political), with works presented in a range of media including ceramics, film, painting, photography, and sculpture. Modern History Vol. III
addresses national and international, social and political issues post-1969, and features archival material, design and text-based works, alongside animation and film, crafts, drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture. While not definitive in their survey of contemporary art in the North West right now, the exhibitions aim to present a microcosm of certain dialogues currently occurring in the region, articulating how these are intertwined with the world today and its pressure points.
Modern History Vols. II and III complete a series of three exhibitions, which promote the talent of contemporary artists living and working in the North West. The exhibitions will be accompanied by a programme of events.
Initiated by Contemporary Visual Arts Network North West (CVAN NW), the Modern History exhibition series forms part of a wider programme of activity focused on supporting artists and developing audiences for contemporary visual art in the North West and beyond.
Supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England with additional support from Lancashire County Council, University of Salford, Manchester School of Art and CVAN NW network members.
