Art / News
Bristol best of 2014: Art
1. Jeremy Deller: English Magic, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Arguably the blockbuster exhibition of 2014 and deservedly so. Moving, thought-provoking and in places astonishingly beautiful, the film at the start of the show was stunning and genuinely encapsulated an idea and ideal of Englishness, perhaps media constructed but effective ranging from countryside to city, bankers to a steel band. Just astonishing. Deller created an exhibition which never under-estimated the intelligence or aesthetic sensibilities of its audience whilst making pertinent and passionate points about social justice and politics.
2. bulb: OOBE*, Centrespace Gallery
bulb are a collective of artists and musicians creating new work in Bristol. OOBE* was their first group show. The theme was out-of-body experiences and the artists’ work, in a range of mediums, was challenging, witty and superbly executed. bulb shows and events are definitely ones to look out for in 2015. You may be confounded at times but you won’t be bored.
3. Louisa Fairclough: Jeannie, Arnolfini
An arresting and moving installation at Arnolfini. Louisa worked with a composer living by the River Severn who experienced Blake-ian ‘musical hallucinations’ of angelic voices harmonising and Gloucester Youth Cathedral Choir directed by Adrian Partington. Visitors listened to Jeannie’s monologues as the choirs harmonies resounded through Arnolfini. A haunting and thought provoking piece by this acclaimed artist whose emotionally charged yet un-histrionic work combines art and the personal to devastating effect.
4. Banksy, Mobile Lovers
A dire piece of street art with little wit or originality BUT it raised £400,000 for Broad Plain Boys club and other volunteer-led youth organisations in Bristol, who had their funding reduced or cut. Proof that art can have a hugely positive impact though in an ideal world art would not have to fund organisations like the Boys Club. And who knows Mobile Lovers may have enticed a few people further into Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to see their permanent collection and visiting exhibitions.
5. Art trails, pop up galleries, pubs, bars and cafes
And anywhere else for that matter wgere artists can show their work and the general public can stumble across it. All of these play a huge and vital role in the Bristol art scene and more power to them. They make art accessible and give artists a place to show. More in 2015 I hope.
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
