!Bring on the Bling!
Venue: Old Glassworks BA1 5BW ● click for map
Private View ● Fri 22 May ● 6pm ‘til late
Exhibition open 23 May to 6 June ● 11am - 6pm
In these days of darkness, this exhibition proposes a vibrant and dazzling antidote.
It is a call to battle despair, not with weapons, but an explosion of colour and sparkle.
Bring on the Bling! aims to represent the indomitable spirit of humanity and its inherent capacity to find, create, and disseminate exuberance, beauty and light, even when enveloped by the shadows of societal and environmental crises. It is an ode to hope and a testament to the enduring power of positive expression. At its heart, the show illuminates the juxtaposition between the grim realities of our times and the power of bling to bring a little joy and zing to our lives.
The show democratises bling by bringing together a wide range of artists, with a huge variety of inspirations behind their work. It explores how opulence, unfettered glitz, and dazzling, eye-catching aesthetics can serve not merely as escapism, but as sources of protest, social critique, and radical, defiant optimism. Whether the artists' primary motivation stems from political commentary on societal and environmental issues, an exploration of escapism and consumerism, or a purely aesthetic study of visual delight, the disparate artists are united in a single goal… to make their work as Blingtastic as possible!
On the opening night and throughout FaB !Bring on the Bling! will be running a number of craft workshops, all involving Bling of course! Dates and times TBC.
Exhibiting Artists:
Florence Apple, Debbie Beale, Phoenix Dewberry, Femi, Michelle Field, Holly Foskett-Barnes, Dareth Guthrie, Kristina Hughes, Sarah Hurlow, Milana Korzon, Becca Leia, Kate McMahon-Parkes, Joanna Nye, Sussanah Peacock, Caroline (Radical Embroiderer), Jenni Stewart, Natasha Sweeting, Diana Zapata.
Curator Kate McMahon-Parkes
Curated by Kate McMahon-Parkes
My artistic practice explores the delicate balance between human and non-human realms, aiming to illuminate the profound connections and tensions that define our existence within these spheres. I employ a multimedia and research-driven approach, utilising techniques such as sculpture, glasswork, performance, and photography.
Often using humour and irony, my work is particularly focused on materials and materiality, investigating how materials and colours interact to evoke an emotional response from the viewer. Ultimately, my art seeks to foster an inquisitive dialogue about our collective responsibility to nurture and respect the intricate tapestry of life, while contemplating our own place within it.
I am a member of Cotswold Sculpture Association, Stroud Artist Cooperative, Walking the Land and the Walking Artist Networks, and am currently undertaking a Master’s in Fine Art at Bath Spa University.