Stars of the city’s contemporary art collection on show

This October Wolverhampton Art Gallery will showcase a selection of pieces from its collection in a new exhibition entitled Stellar: Stars of our Contemporary Collection.

More than 20 artists, who have either been nominated for the Turner Prize - one of the most prestigious prizes in the art world - or selected for the British Art Show over its 40-year history, will be featured.

Stellar: Stars of our Contemporary Collection, which opens on Saturday, October 24 and continues until Sunday, January 17, presents an array of painting, drawing, sculpture, print, film and photography by some of the leading lights of British contemporary art in recent decades.

The exhibition explores some of the themes that have fuelled the work of these trailblazing artists – topics such as gender politics, conflict and cultural identity.

Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street, has a reputation for responding to pressing social issues and acquiring works that are both politically aware and artistically rich. Curators such as David Rogers in the 1970s, Brendan Flynn in the 80s and 90s, and the gallery’s current Manager for Arts and Culture, Marguerite Nugent, have all taken bold steps to build a vibrant, relevant and thought-provoking contemporary art collection.

City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said: “The city has a spectacular collection and this exhibition showcases a variety of artists and styles.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see more of the city’s art collection, including some pieces that have not been on display for some time, and it also paves the way for the British Art Show, which will be in Wolverhampton in 2021.

“While we want visitors to enjoy the exhibitions available at the gallery, I ask that visitors follow the Government guidance to ensure the safety of our staff and other venue users.”

Stellar: Stars of our Contemporary Collection, has been curated through the lens of the gallery’s collecting priorities since the 1970s, from Pop Art through Abstract painting and works relating to the Troubles in Northern Ireland and other areas of unrest, to work by Black British artists. It is a prelude to British Art Show 9(BAS9), launching in Wolverhampton in March 2021. The British Art Show takes place every five years and is the largest and most ambitious survey of recent developments in British art. To find out more about BAS9 visit: www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/whats-on/bas9

Wolverhampton Art Gallery is open Monday to Saturday (10.30am to 4.30pm) and Sunday (11am to 4pm).

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. Where possible we ask that contactless payments are made.

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