🎥 WATCH: Larry Achiampong interviewed by Arts at University of Southampton

Student Arts Ambassador Kate Briggs-Price interviewed artist Larry Achiampong in January 2020, during his solo exhibition When the Sky Falls at John Hansard Gallery, 25 January – 14 March 2020.

Larry and Kate chat about all things – from working across different mediums and taking artistic inspiration from popular culture, to class, race, privilege and the environment (and how they are all connected).

John Hansard Gallery is part of University of Southampton and is funded by Arts Council England. Larry Achiampong is represented by Copperfield Gallery, London.

With thanks to Larry Achiampong and John Hansard Gallery.

Video by Kate Briggs-Price.

Continue reading 🎥 WATCH: Larry Achiampong interviewed by Arts at University of Southampton

SOTSEF 2020: artist Susannah Pal reflects on her exhibition, ā€˜Stopping the E Waste Tsunamiā€™

Susannah Pal

Between 8 and 15 March, for Southampton Science and Engineering Festival (SOTSEF) 2020, artist Susannah Pal took up residence and exhibited a range of oil paintings and ink collages in the foyer of University of Southampton’s Hartley Library.

Susannah’s exhibition focused on the problems of eWaste, the fastest growing waste stream in the world, and was the result of a collaboration with Professor Ian Williams of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Science. 

Back in March, much of the original SOTSEF 2020 festival – including the annual Southampton Science and Engineering Day – had to be suddenly postponed due to the then increasing threat posed by COVID-19. Susannah’s exhibition was able to go ahead, however.

Now, the resourceful SOTSEF team at University of Southampton’s Public Engagement with Research Unit have brought the festival back in digital form, with activity taking place between May 22 and July 25 of this year.

To coincide with the digital rebirth of SOTSEF, we are publishing a blog post by Susannah Pal in which she reflects on her exhibition and the experiences she had during the original SOTSEF week.

Continue reading SOTSEF 2020: artist Susannah Pal reflects on her exhibition, ā€˜Stopping the E Waste Tsunamiā€™

The Ancient Mariner Big Read and John Hansard Gallery’s online arts recommendations

In the week that we welcome students back to a new term at University of Southampton, we’ve got a veritable toolbox of cultural wellbeing goodies lined up for you to dive in to. Though so much has changed, we’re #InThisTogether and here to help you relax with your culture fix.

In our first blog post of the term, we share details of an amazing online cultural project hot-off-the-press – The Ancient Mariner Big Read – launched this weekend. We also bring you a top 5 choice of online cultural encounters to be had, selected by the team at the University’s own John Hansard Gallery – enjoy! Stay tuned for another top 5 recommendations from the team at Turner Sims, coming up later in the week.

Continue reading The Ancient Mariner Big Read and John Hansard Gallery’s online arts recommendations

The Show Must Go Online: animating Arts at University of Southampton in the digital sphere

hrm199 (Siobhan Coen and Haroon Mirza), Dreamachine 2.0, 2019. Courtesy hrm199. Photo: Thierry Bal

During these challenging times and faced with the new normal, Arts at University of Southampton is joining our friends at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, in pledging that The Show Must Go On(line). 

John Hansard GalleryĀ andĀ Turner SimsĀ are both exploring ways to focus their energies within the digital sphere, seeking to animate online spaces to bring you inspiring art and culture. Alongside this, Arts at University of Southamptonā€™s digital channels will be dedicated to sharing with you the best of the arts to be accessed remotely. Weā€™ll also be inviting the talented creatives and artists in our own team to contribute ideas and showcase their practice.

Continue reading The Show Must Go Online: animating Arts at University of Southampton in the digital sphere

VIDEO: Arts Ambassadors attend John Hansard Gallery Opening

Two of our University of Southampton Arts Ambassadors – Kate Briggs-Price and Thea Hartman – were in attendance at John Hansard Gallery’s bumper opening event on Saturday 25 January 2020. Join them as they explore the exhibitions, mingle with the artists, interview some of the people behind the shows and generally have a good time.

Three exhibitions opened that night, as follows:

Larry Achiampong: When the Sky Falls
25 Januaryā€“21 March

Many voices, all of them loved
1 Februaryā€“11 April

Lindsay Seers: Every Thought There Ever Was
8 Februaryā€“11 April

Video by Kate Briggs-Price for Arts at University of Southampton.