Art / Expressions Art Studio
Modern Myths exhibition celebrates another year of Expressions inclusive art projects
Local charity Milestones Trust works with adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs across Bristol.
As an added extra to their everyday support, their art studio Expressions is available for use by people supported by the charity, affording them with experience of creating work, as well as putting on exhibitions.
Based in Staple Hill, the studio has now been running for over a decade. There are weekly art groups, specialist workshops and individual tutorials laid on in collaboration with professional artists using a range of mediums – from painting and printmaking to sculpture and moving image.
Following on from the 2022 collection Imagined Landscapes, which was shown at Paintworks, 100 contemporary artworks made at Expressions will be shown at the upcoming 2023 exhibition Modern Myths, running at Fishponds Old Library from July 7-13.
The collective works hard in pursuit of a more inclusive and diverse art world that recognises and values people regardless of their ability, background, ethnicity or age.
Along with Emma Grant, Louise Copping has curated the collection, and is excited about showing it. “Expressions has worked with passion and curiosity to present Modern Myths,” she reflects; “an exhibition that looks at and questions barriers that exist in the art world whilst celebrating the fantastic contributions of the artists and perspectives of the artworks displayed”.
Ink blowing to create colourful abstracts – photo: Expressions Art Studio, Milestones Trust
The questions underpinning the work include “Who decides what is great art?” and “Do you need to be from a privileged background and to have an art education to be a revered artist?”, as well as “Who dictates how art is validated?”
One of the featured artists is Paul, for whom taking part in the programme has been a hugely positive experience: “Creating art is good for my mental health and relaxing my mind,” he says.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to express themselves creatively.”
Expressions: Modern Myths is at Fishponds Old Library on July 7-13 (open 10am-6pm on July 7-8, 11am-4pm on July 9 and 10am-4pm for the remaining dates), with a private view and opening party on July 6.
All photos: Expressions Art Collective, Milestones Trust
Read more: Expressions Arts Festival returns with ambitious exhibition
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