Open Gallery - an exhibition of artworks created by those from non-traditional backgrounds November 18, 2008

18th, 19th and 20th November 2008, 12-7pm daily
Utrophia Project Space, 136 Tanners Hill, Deptford, London SE8 4QD

Open Gallery was devised by Goldsmiths’ Fine Art alumna Hannah Hull, with the help of fellow alumnus Richard Hards, in response to an invitation from the Goldsmiths Open Book to run art classes for its members. Open Book is a project that encourages and supports adults who would not usually follow an academic route - such as ex-offenders, recovering addicts and those with mental health issues - to pursue further and higher education.

Before joining Open Book, most members had not been to a gallery, let alone had the opportunity to make an artwork. Hannah and Richard wanted to open up the potential role that art could play in their lives. They have been working with 10 participants since September, helping them to develop conceptual and traditional artworks for exhibition. Working to an open brief, the participants have responded with diverse and dynamic artworks, using the process as a platform for discussion.

The ethos behind the project was to allow the participants to respond creatively to their own environments, producing works that reflected their own order and sense of self. This is a break with traditional modes of identity building, based on consumption and participation in external systems. By making physical their own economy, they illustrate their unique position, and invite others to indicate a position around this.

Enquiries to:
Hannah Hull
Tel: 079 3252 8888
Email: [email protected]

Official Website: http://www.goldsmithsstudents.com/openbook