the show – part1
Actually, one of the best things was that all these factors, for myself at least, began to create a new physical and emotional narrative in the exhibition. Starting upstairs in a light-hearted spirit with Wilson’s games, set out on three makeshift tables, complete with un-reformed community centre chairs (direct from St Lukes). The brightly coloured and intriguing boards invite play, puzzling over instructions, and for those in the know, laughter! Its like a new toy at Christmas that didn’t quite live up to expectation and all the bits end up on the floor as you abandon it for something more satisfying….On the wall the map of the community based show is preserved on the ubiquitous community exhibition material of choice, foamboard, hinting at the previous life of these works.
A lone painting hanging in the corner of the space, overhanging the balcony, shows a gable end and a glimpse of New East Manchester. Grennan & Sperandio’s first painting shows its blank face and invites you to peer over the balcony, down to Joe Richardson’s sweep of red wallpaper and its partner, the “lining paper of regeneration”, laid out on its golden pasting tables.
