Transition
until 19 December 2009
Transition at Mid Pennine Gallery
Transition, on show at Mid Pennine Gallery until 19 December 2009, is the second in a series of three exhibitions which look at the way artists interact with their surroundings. Using the practice of drawing, Mary Yacoob and Onya McCausland have taken different but complementary approaches to exploring the landscape around the gallery.
Yacoob's drawings offer 'proposals' for alternative realities - a chance to see familiar surroundings in a new light. Using the artists' own photographs of Burnley's urban architecture and rural landscape, a series of site responsive drawings have been produced which encourage the viewer to reconsider what they see on a day to day basis.
The drawings pick up on, and exaggerate, visual details contained within the photographs, such as the architectural styling of a shopping centre, to create artworks that use repetition, geometry and rotation to suggest an alternative 'look' for the natural or urban landscape being considered.
McCausland's drawings are a response to Burnley's history and natural landscape. Three large wall panels have been created using mineral deposits hand collected from settling lagoons at mine sites local to Mid Pennine Gallery. The iron oxide-rich deposits, collected from Deerplay Hill, Old Meadows and Clough Foot mines, provide a deep orange pigment which has been used by the artist to create panels of solid colour.
The solid panels are then systematically and rhythmically worked to release pigment which is used to draw onto the wall next to the panel. The transition of pigment from panel to wall is representative of the displacement of mineral deposits from their subterranean home to the surface; a natural occurrence that starts to influence the geographical and historical identity of a place - in this case Burnley.
Burnley student, Emily Cannon said:
'It's individual and I love the fact that Onya has used Burnley's natural resources'
To support the exhibition the gallery will host 'An Evening with the Artists' on Thursday 19 November, 10am-5pm. Visitors will have the chance to view the exhibition and enjoy a drink with both Mary Yacoob and Onya McCausland. The event is free and there is no need to book in advance.
For young people aged 6-11, there will be a series of Vibe workshops that run every Saturday, 10.30am-12.30pm throughout the exhibition. These exciting sessions cost just £2.50 per person and offer the chance to explore a wide variety of artistic techniques inspired by the exhibition programme. They are also an excellent way of making new friends in a safe and secure environment.
For more information call Mid Pennine Arts on 01282 421986 or visit www.midpenninearts.org.uk. Mid Pennine Gallery is located on Yorke Street (off Manchester Road), Burnley, BB11 1HD. The gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm. Admission is free and there is wheelchair/pushchair access.