Last Weekend was a chance to head off and see Fiona Tan’s new exhibition. I always love going to the Baltic, it still feels fresh, friendly and exciting to me. Tan’s diptych film based on the travels of Marco Polo was one of my favourite pieces alongside Leviathon which shows every couple of hours next to the massive truck. The latter being an archival film of Whalers flaying a large whale on the docks nearby. It was black and white – less visceral than I had imagined and a more precise process.
I took up the free daily guided tours from the staff on each floor which are well worth doing! Very friendly and insightful. In general, a lot of people in Newcastle seem to actually like their jobs. Have to admit I haven’t yet met any abattoir floor moppers but still, there’s a marked difference.
New to me was Tony Swain’s work on the 2nd Floor, he paints directly onto collaged newspapers with acrylic paints. I found them very absorbing, different layers and layers and layers of landscapes BLU tacked onto the wall, yes BLU TACked! Someone mentioned it was a conservator’s nightmare, but Swain doesn’t seem lay any importance on that, only framing the works at the request of private collectors. Well worth seeing and inspecting closely.
If anyone is interested in Joining me on future Gallery visits to The Hatton and Baltic 39 Project Space please drop me an email – [email protected] Everyone welcome!
