University News Last updated 11 June
Birmingham City University (BCU) is presenting a new exhibition from two internationally acclaimed artists as part of Birmingham Design Festival.
Echo Chamber is the first collaborative exhibition between graphic artists Jimmy Turrell and Neasden Control Centre, aka Stephen Smith.
“We’re sharing our experiences of growing up in working-class, northern British towns, and the cultural impact that music and creativity brought with it,” said artist Jimmy Turrell.
“From the pulse of house and rave to the attitude and aesthetics of the Madchester era, it’s a celebration of creativity as a form of escape, resistance and connection.”
Through large-scale printed fabric works and collaged panels, the artists bring together fine art, design and music culture.
“This year, Birmingham Design Festival is celebrating PLAY!” said festival co-director Luke Tonge. “Alongside our biggest ever conference at Birmingham Town Hall on Friday 13 June, we’re holding a day of hands-on workshops at BCU.
“The workshops represent a huge range of artistic mediums, from puppet-making, to collages, to typography and more!”
BCU is one of Birmingham Design Festival’s main partners this year and is also hosting a series of workshops, including the sold out event, Practice is Play, by Jimmy Turrell and Neasden Control Centre.
BCU Exhibitions Manager, John Hall, said they were thrilled to welcome the artists to the university’s Parkside Gallery: “Turrell and Smith’s bold ideas, inventive processes, and exploration of timely, thought-provoking themes resonate deeply with the spirit of BCU.
“I hope their exhibition and workshops will spark inspiration across our student community to push creative boundaries.”
The exhibition is running from 12-27 June at Parkside gallery.