Aspex Gallery: 35 and Counting Exhibition

In 2016 Portsmouth’s leading contemporary art gallery, Aspex, celebrated it’s 35th anniversary. Following humble beginnings in Brougham Road, Southsea, Aspex moved to the historic Vulcan Building on the waterfront at Gunwharf Quays.

The gallery delivers an ambitious programme of exhibitions and events, and has become recognised for supporting emerging artists at critical points in their career, from the presentation of solo shows, through to its artist support programme.

To mark this legacy, Aspex proudly presents ‘35 & Counting’, an exhibition showcasing artists who have worked with the gallery over the past twenty years.

Twenty-nine artists are set to take part in the show, including: Adam Bridgland, Alison Carlier, Charlie Tweed, David Blandy, David Burrows, Delaine Le Bas, Gordon Cheung, Harold Offeh, Heather & Ivan Morison, Joella Wheatley, Jon Lockhart, Jonathan Parsons, Jonny Hannah, Malene Hartmann Rasmussen, Neal Layton, Nick Crowe & Ian Rawlinson, Nils Norman, Peter Lloyd, Roger Palmer, Ross Sinclair, Sadie Tierney, Simon Faithful, S. Mark Gubb, Steve Moberly, Suki Chan, Susan Collis, Tanya Wood, The Caravan Gallery and Tim Machin.

Each piece will be sold in an online silent auction, with all proceeds supporting future artist residencies in Aspex’s new, accessible artist studio. All of the exhibited artworks have been generously donated by the artists.

Aspex will use the auction as an opportunity to launch its new fundraising initiative, supported by Arts Council England through its Catalyst: Evolve programme.

Joanne Bushnell, Director of Aspex, said: “Every £1 raised through the auction will be matched by Arts Council England, doubling the donation.

We are so grateful to all of the artists who are supporting our future residency programme and to Arts Council England for their incredible support in providing match funding”.

One of the exhibiting artists, Joella Wheatley, was selected for ‘Platform’, a regional showcase of graduate work in 2012, returning to the gallery in 2014 for a solo show, ‘Forgotten Lines’.

Wheatley said: “Throughout my career, Aspex have given me support, confidence and opportunities for me to fulfill my ambitions, of which I have been incredible grateful.

Having a studio of my own is important for the development of my work. It gives time and space for the work to progress and grow without having any interruptions or limitations that you experience at home”.

On Thursday 16 February, Aspex will host a public celebration event to launch the online auction (5 – 6pm), followed by a masterclass on artist residencies (6 – 8pm), led by curator Oliver Sumner, with artists Alison Carlier, Charlotte Bradley and Howard Hardiman.

You can join the conversation by using the hashtag #35andcounting on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Website: www.aspex.org.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aspexgallery
Twitter: www.twitter.com/aspexportsmouth
Instagram: www.instagram.com/aspexportsmouth
Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/aspex