Contemporary artists explore ‘the in-between’ in exhibition

The [Spaces] In-between - developed and delivered by Wolverhampton’s independent art gallery and studios, The Asylum Art Gallery Ltd, and Arts Council England – is a free exhibition showcasing the work of ten local contemporary artists interested in ‘the in-between’ in relation to shared public spaces.

Opening on Saturday, October 24, at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, The [Spaces] In-between is the culmination of an artists’ residency project, [Discursive Spaces], which ran for six months and enabled discussion around Wolverhampton’s local communities and the spaces they use, or memories of spaces that once held communities together in the region.

The artists focused particularly on ‘spaces within spaces’ where access is restricted, and they considered the factors - psychological, political and social - as well as physical barriers that can make these spaces unwelcoming or hard to navigate.

The work on show ranges from graphic installations and kaleidoscopic archival projections to a skeletal canal boat, representations of derelict urban spaces and bilingual video works which explore migration and technology. Much of the work is deeply personal, focusing on shared spaces that are significant to the artists. It is hoped that the work will inspire regeneration through culture and enable community-led spaces to re-emerge around the city.

City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said: “It is great to see partnership work still being achieved throughout this pandemic and that both galleries in the city are able to provide a platform and space for this work to be shown.

“Community projects and spaces are of such great importance and seeing how they can be utilised through this exhibition highlights how important art and culture is.”

The [Spaces] In-between presents powerful examples from artists including Jayne Murray, Thomas J Brown, David Checkley, Sahjan Kooner, Fred Hubble, Tariq Evan, Charlotte Dunn, Helen Grundy, Jackie Sanderson and Theresa Bradbury.

A [Discursive Spaces] publication has also been produced in collaboration with writer in residence, Nathaniel Grant. The book can be accessed for free on the Asylum Gallery website, at the City of Wolverhampton Archives and through QR codes in the exhibition.

The [Space] In-Between will run until Sunday, January 17, 2021. Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street, is open Monday to Saturday (10.30am to 4.30pm) and Sunday (11am to 4pm). Entry to the gallery and this exhibition is free.

To ensure that your visit is safe for both staff and visitors there are some changes that you will see, such as social distancing measures, checks on arrival, face coverings, hand sanitiser stations and allocated toilets.

A video is available at www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk to outline what to expect when you visit.