Group Show
Group Show paints a picture of who makes our communities. It explores how diverse communities can intersect and coexist, bringing attention to the power of togetherness. Consisting of a wide range of relationships and group dynamics; such as families, friends, allies and partners, the works demonstrate the human need for company.
Colours and shapes layer together to represent the various walks of life in our local communities. Amongst the vibrant space, the exhibition includes works from five contemporary artists – Rakibul Chowdhury, Eileen Cooper, Alice Hayes, Uduehi Imienwanrin, and Janet Sainsbury, whose portraits invite for slow contemplation and display moments of care. Group Show is a gentle reminder to support and learn from one another regardless of our differences and/or commonalities.
As part of Group Show, Aspex Portsmouth will be launching ‘Let’s Paint Together’, a new programme of workshops and drop-in activities taking place at community spaces and events across the city. Work made as part of this programme will also be shown in the exhibition.
You can download an easy read exhibition guide here
Read an essay written in response to the exhibition by Aspex Portsmouth Curator and Programme Manager Ricardo Reverón Blanco here – ‘Opening the Doors: Connection, Intimacy and the Power of Not Knowing’
About the artists
Rakibul Chowdhury incorporates images of pop stars, movie legends, fashion icons and beloved cartoons to reflect on his interests dominated by music, TV, and celebrities. Made up of numerous characters, with muses including the Spice Girls, Tom Jones, the Muppets, Super Heroes, Keanu Reeves or Madonna.
Eileen Cooper is an artist known for her strong and passionate commitment to figuration. Her practice is always more allegorical than anecdotal, often concerned by timeless issues about the human spirit.
Alice Hayes displays her love for people, popular culture and celebrities through vivid and emotive portraits usually visualised in extraordinary settings.
Uduehi Imienwanrin balances a range of painted, drawn and incised mark making to achieve richly textured drawings, paintings and prints. His recent series of portraits depict an eclectic mix of football, TV soap and music stars always with a uniquely exuberant sense of colour and line.
Janet Sainsbury paints imagined landscapes populated by a cast of characters drawn from art history and popular culture. Groups of figures act out stories in curious ways; as relationships thaw they are scrutinised and re-considered.