September & October

Dear art fans, I hope you are having fun kicking up the autumn leaves!

I have been out and about again and pleased to report back on two recent exhibitions I have visited especially for you.

The first entitled ‘The unbound project’ by Pakistan artist Mansoora Hassan at South Shields Customs House gallery.
I quote from the publicity ” it deals with the artist’s response to the complex worldwide upheavals facing us today, especially in the Muslim and Arab world, as she investigates the cycle of oppression that results from cultural, religious, and political constraints”

This show included a collection of photographs featuring a gentleman wrapped in a sheet, and photographed many, many times. In a painted black room, there was a projection onto the wall of the same individual in the same sheet, moving very slowly this time. The projector created an opportunity for some spontaneous finger shadow creatures.

The snacks available included goats cheese whirls, not my cup of tea at all. I used to own a pet goat (Victoria) and I find that goat products all taste the way my horned friend used to smell. Presumably this is not a problem if you don’t have goats. 4/10

The second exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle (until January 11th) featured a small collection of paintings from one of my personal heroes, Stanley Spencer.
Mostly on loan from the Tate Gallery, it was a total joy to see his works in the flesh and I marvelled again at his first ever oil painting, a self portrait aged 19 years, astonishingly accomplished. What a treat this little exhibition is. 9.5/10
This feast for the eyes was followed by a feast for the face in the Laing coffee shop. A nice range of sweet things here. However I was disappointed to lose half my lemon drizzle cake on the floor after a clumsy and ham-fisted action with my cake fork.

In other news, I have moved into a new studio and hope to produce some exciting pieces here….I have stocked up on teabags and shortbread and will get cracking.

Finally, I hope the next review/update comes to you from my new website. On the blog page you will be able to join in my ramblings and share any thoughts about…well anything you like.
SJ
ps for those interested, there is STILL no news on the legal dispute yet…anyone would think the law courts had more important things to deal with…..