Posts in Art Archive Category

Body of Tools presents performance art from the Centre For Chinese Contemporary Art’s archive, which explores the concept of the physical body as a tool, an art object, or an extension of an apparatus. Organic physiques are transformed into automated machinery and “inorganic” bodies are regenerated through interacting with organic substances.

Films showing:

Deathless Love (2015) by Li Binyuan.
This film was commissioned by University of Salford Art Collection with CFCCA as part of Binyuan’s solo exhibition Social Behaviours, CFCCA, 2015.

The Photocopier (2011) and The Photobooth (2011) by Household & Dario Utreras

Moss Machine (2012) by Ting-Tong Chang

Plant the Seed (2006) by Yuen Kin Leung

Total running time: 46 minutes followed by discussion.

Run in association with the CFCCA, this event is part of a wider programme of activity related to CFCCA’s library and archive.

Date: Thursday 1 February 2018, 6 – 7.30pm
Venue: New Adelphi Building, University of Salford, M5 4BR
Admission: Free, booking required. To book your seat visit the eventbrite page.

‘The world was ending as it had been doing for millennia.’

In dialogue with a wide range of marine biologists, oceanographers, political scientists, neurologists and trauma specialists, Leviathan explores the notions of marine welfare, migration and mental health and their possible interconnections.

 Leviathan is an ambitious ten-part film cycle conceived and directed by artist Shezad Dawood, the first two episodes (Ben and Yasmine) premiered at the 57th Venice Art Biennale and the third episode (Arturo) was shot on location in and around Venice. ​

Episode 1 of the cycle, Ben was commissioned by University of Salford Art Collection and Leviathan – Human and Marine Ecology, with support from The Contemporary Art Society. The film is a visual feast of found footage, carefully edited with new film and images which are set against spoken word (almost poetry) and accompanied by a powerful soundtrack.  Ben, the narrator of the film, recalls childhood memories of visiting his marine biologist father’s place of work, The Natural History Museum in London. These memories are intertwined with the back-story of a global disaster which sets the narrative of the Leviathan Cycle.

The project will embark on a three-year international tour, culminating in a final presentation of all ten episodes in 2020.

View the trailer for Ben.

The Double Negative Review.

Exhibition dates: Monday 4 December 2017 – Thursday 29 March 2018
Venue: New Adelphi Exhibition Gallery,  New Adelphi Building, University of Salford, Peel Park Campus, University Road West, M5 4BR
Gallery opening times: Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission: Free

Exhibition dates: Thursday 30 November – Sunday 10 December 2017
Venue: The​ ​Great​ ​Medical​ ​Disaster,​ ​​Manchester,​ ​M3​ ​4EE
Gallery opening times: Daily, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free

Artists: Nick Crowe & Ian Rawlinson (Manchester/Berlin), Chris Paul Daniels & Sam Meech (Manchester), Katerina Eleftheriadou (Manchester), Ko Sin Tung (Hong Kong), Kwan Sheung Chi (Hong Kong), João Vasco Paiva (Portugal/Hong Kong), Tromarama (Indonesia).

University of Salford Art Collection are delighted to support a collaborative exhibition ​presented​ ​by​ ​Edouard​ ​Malingue​ ​Gallery​, Hong Kong and ​co-curated​ ​with​ ​Marianna​ ​Tsionki​ ​(Research Curator,​ ​Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art ​and​ ​University​ ​of​ ​Salford),​ ​in​ ​collaboration​ ​with​ ​Magnus​ ​Quaife​ ​(Lecturer,​ ​Manchester Metropolitan​ ​University).

Polyrhythmia is a group exhibition revolving around the continuous global transformation of the urban landscape. Taking place in a shell space due for development in the heart of Manchester, Polyrhythmia​​ brings​ ​together​ ​international​ ​artists​ ​connected​ ​to​ ​Hong​ ​Kong,​ ​Indonesia​ ​and Manchester. For further details visit the exhibition page.

From the University of Salford Art Collection we are lending One Square Mile by Chris Paul Daniels and Sam Meech, a co-commission between University of Salford Art Collection and Quays Culture in 2016.

Tour​ ​&​ ​Panel​ ​Talk:​ ​Wednesday 6 December,​ ​6 – 8pm

Chair: Jessica Middleton-Pugh (Editor, Place North West)

Panel: Marianna Tsionki (Research Curator, CFCCA & University of Salford); Sarah Perks (Artistic Director: Visual Arts, HOME); Helen Wewiora (Director, Castlefield Gallery); Poppy Bowers (Curator, Whitworth Gallery); Chris Paul Daniels (Artist); João Vasco Paiva (Artist); Peter Swift (Managing Partner, Planit IE)

Launch: Wednesday 29 November 2017, 6 – 8pm
Venue: The​ ​Great​ ​Medical​ ​Disaster,​ ​​Manchester,​ ​M3​ ​4EE
Admission: Daily, 10am – 5pm

University of Salford Art Collection are delighted to support a collaborative exhibition taking place at The​ ​Great​ ​Medical​ ​Disaster in Manchester, which is ​presented​ ​by​ ​Edouard​ ​Malingue​ ​Gallery​, Hong Kong and ​co-curated​ ​with​ ​Marianna​ ​Tsionki​ ​(Research Curator,​ ​Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art ​and​ ​University​ ​of​ ​Salford),​ ​in​ ​collaboration​ ​with​ ​Magnus​ ​Quaife​ ​(Lecturer,​ ​Manchester Metropolitan​ ​University).

Polyrhythmia is a group exhibition revolving around the continuous global transformation of the urban landscape. Taking place in a shell space due for development in the heart of Manchester, Polyrhythmia​​ brings​ ​together​ ​international​ ​artists​ ​connected​ ​to​ ​Hong​ ​Kong,​ ​Indonesia​ ​and Manchester in particular João Vasco Paiva (Portugal/Hong Kong), Kwan Sheung Chi (Hong Kong), Ko Sin Tung (Hong Kong), Nick Crowe & Ian Rowlinson (Manchester/Berlin), Katerina Eleftheriadou (Manchester), Chris Paul Daniels & Sam Meech (Manchester) and Tromarama (Indonesia).

From the University of Salford Art Collection we are lending One Square Mile by Chris Paul Daniels and Sam Meech, a co-commissioned between University of Salford Art Collection and Quays Culture in 2016.

Tour​ ​&​ ​Panel​ ​Talk:​ ​Wednesday 6 December,​ ​6 – 8pm

Exhibition continues until Saturday 10 December; open daily 10am – 5pm.

Venue: The International 3, Salford, M3 6AF
Exhibition dates and times: Friday 24 and Saturday 25 November 2017,  12 -5pm; Wednesday 29 November – Friday 1 December, 12 -5pm, 2017
Admission: Free

Artists: Sarah Boulter, Emma Bradley, Hazel Rebecca Clegg, Rika Jones, Anita Kwiecien, Polly Palmerin.
Co-curated by: Chris Bailkoski and Manuela Zammit

…into the labyrinth, is the final exhibition taking place at The International 3 prior to its closure at the end of 2017 and fittingly, it represents a key ethos of The International 3 since its inception, that of providing early career opportunities for emerging artists and creative practitioners.

The exhibition showcases the work of 8 creative practitioners inspired by the 57^th Venice Art Biennale and the wider setting of the city, after their experiences on a four-week residency in Venice.

Each individual investigated ideas of residency through visual diaries and explored themes of materiality and decay, voyeurism, claustrophobia, repetition and time, all of which are synonymous with mythology surrounding Venice.

In 1786, influential colour theorist and philosopher, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe resided in Venice for a short time and …into the labyrinth is a phrase taken from his own diary that repeatedly found its way in his writing. The repetition of navigating the labyrinthine city in a time when Venetians ‘live in public’ yet conversely find ‘solitude in the crowd’ mirrors these practitioners’ own experiences, documented in this exhibition. The work spans across diverse practices including photography, installation art, painting and sculpture, incorporating both direct and subtler references to Venice.

The opportunity to travel to Venice came as a result of being awarded a steward-research fellowship by the British Council in partnership with their respective institutions, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Salford. During the residency, the artists and curators divided time between invigilating Phyllida Barlow’s folly at the British Pavilion in the Giardini and carrying out individual research projects, using their experience to inform their practices.  The fellowships programme was designed to render the exhibition at the British Pavilion a space where discussion and exchange of ideas can actively take place and lead to further collaborative projects and professional development in the artistic and cultural fields.

Exhibition Event:

Digestif : Saturday 25 November, 1 – 4pm, The International 3
1pm: Artists and curators talk about their work, the fellowship experience and the exhibition.
2-4pm: Exhibition walk-through led by artists and curators, followed by a panel discussion with guest speakers.

This exhibition is supported by the British Council, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester School of Art, University of Salford, University of Salford Art Collection and The International 3.

Launch: Thursday 23rd November 2017, 6 – 8pm
Venue: The International 3, Salford, M3 6AF
Admission: Free, with Venetian inspired refreshments supplied by Soup Kitchen, Manchester.

Artists: Sarah Boulter, Emma Bradley, Hazel Rebecca Clegg, Rika Jones, Anita Kwiecien, Polly Palmerin.
Co-curated by: Chris Bailkoski and Manuela Zammit

…into the labyrinth, is the final exhibition that will take place at The International 3 prior to its closure at the end of 2017 and fittingly, it represents a key ethos of The International 3 since its inception, that of providing early career opportunities for emerging artists and creative practitioners.

The exhibition will showcase the work of 8 creative practitioners inspired by the 57^th Venice Art Biennale and the wider setting of the city, after their experiences on a four-week residency in Venice.

Each individual investigated ideas of residency through visual diaries and explored themes of materiality and decay, voyeurism, claustrophobia, repetition and time, all of which are synonymous with mythology surrounding Venice.

In 1786, influential colour theorist and philosopher, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe resided in Venice for a short time and …into the labyrinth is a phrase taken from his own diary that repeatedly found its way in his writing. The repetition of navigating the labyrinthine city in a time when Venetians ‘live in public’ yet conversely find ‘solitude in the crowd’ mirrors these practitioners’ own experiences, documented in this exhibition. The work spans across diverse practices including photography, installation art, painting and sculpture, incorporating both direct and subtler references to Venice.

The opportunity to travel to Venice came as a result of being awarded a steward-research fellowship by the British Council in partnership with their respective institutions, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Salford. During the residency, the artists and curators divided time between invigilating Phyllida Barlow’s folly at the British Pavilion in the Giardini and carrying out individual research projects, using their experience to inform their practices.  The fellowships programme was designed to render the exhibition at the British Pavilion a space where discussion and exchange of ideas can actively take place and lead to further collaborative projects and professional development in the artistic and cultural fields.

Exhibition Event:

Digestif : Saturday 25 November, 1 – 4pm, The International 3
1pm: Artists and curators talk about their work, the fellowship experience and the exhibition.
2-4pm: Exhibition walk-through led by artists and curators, followed by a panel discussion with guest speakers.

This exhibition is supported by the British Council, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester School of Art, University of Salford, University of Salford Art Collection and The International 3.

Venue: Studio Theatre, New Adelphi Building, University of Salford, Peel Park Campus, The Crescent, Salford, M6 5EL
Dates: Thursday 16 November 2017, 6 – 8pm
Admission: Free, to reserve tickets visit Eventbrite.

In mandarin with English subtitles, 47 min.

Haze and Fog by Beijing-based artist Cao Fei  is screening to coincide with our What’s in Store? exhibition and in association with the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art (CFCCA). The film will be introduced by Marianna Tsionki, Research Curator, CFCCA and University of Salford.

Haze and Fog trailer.

Cao Fei mixes pop aesthetics, fantasy, and surrealistic references with documentary and social commentary to reflect on China’s rapidly changing economy and how it transforms the everyday lives and imaginations of its citizens.  The film examines notions of class and value structures, powerlessness and the masses as a neutral force in the modern day metropolis of China – presenting a move away from the traditional good versus evil heroic drama of zombie activity. The characters in the film are a different kind of ‘zombie’ – those who have lost their traditions in life and entered into a new fog and numb state of ‘neutral modernity’, struggling with contemporary daily routines.

Cao Fei’s 2014 film La Town, a story of a post-apocalyptic metropolis, which is made entirely from the filming of intricate hand-made sets and miniature models, is screening in our What’s in Store? exhibition.

Haze and Fog was co-commissioned by the University of Salford with the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art (CFCCA), in partnership with Eastside Projects (Birmingham), Arnolfini (Bristol), Bath School of Art and Design and Bath University.

Venue: Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park, Crescent, Salford, M5 4WU
Date: Wednesday 15 November 2017, 6.30 – 7.30pm (a bottle bar will be open from 6pm)
Admission: £3 payable at the venue

Spotlighting the work of artists such as Bridget Riley and Patrick Hughes from the University’s Art Collection, this talk, by Danny Morrell, will question whether seeing is believing.

Friday 3 November 2017, 10.30am – 5pm
Venue: Studio Theatre, New Adelphi Building, University of Salford, Peel Park Campus, University Road West, M5 4BR
Admission: £4/£8 booking is essential via Eventbrite

The Digital Matters Symposium is held in conjunction with the exhibition Digital Matters: The Earth Behind the Screen, exploring the relationship between the natural and the technological through artworks produced in Hong Kong, China and in the UK.  The debate will look at the reciprocity among technology, ecology and art. This symposium gives curators and scholars the opportunity to reflect on the visual and theoretical expressions of the paradoxical relationship between technological progress and environmental destruction.

Chaired by Marianna Tsionki, Research Curator, CFCCA and University of Salford, confirmed speakers are Dr Angela Becher (Lecturer in Chinese Studies, University of Manchester), Dr Steven Gartside (Curator, Holden Gallery), Dr Beccy Kennedy (Senior lecturer in Art History, Manchester Metropolitan University), MAP Office (Artists, Hong Kong), Annabella Massey (DPhil candidate in Chinese Literary and Visual culture, University of Oxford),  Dr Christopher Payne (Lecturer Chinese Studies, University of Manchester) and Dani Ploeger (New Media Artist, UK). As part of the symposium there will be a screening of Chinese filmmaker Zhao Liang’s Behemoth (Venice Film Festival 2015).

The symposium is supported by Asia Research Network for Arts and Media (ARNAM); a quadripartite collaborative network of Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art (CFCCA), University of Salford, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Manchester.

Artists: Lin Ke, MAP Office, Ellen Pau, Dani Ploeger, Unknown Fields, Yang Yongliang.

Curated by: Marianna Tsionki, Research Curator, CFCCA and University of Salford.

Whilst the world is increasingly dependent on digital technologies, the physical impact of the electronics we use daily is often ignored. The complex internal structures of a mobile phone or a PC require not only the extraction of natural resources but also thousands of unique parts to be manufactured and disposed of in a cycle of production that enables us to engage in the digital realm. However, as the scale and potentially harmful impact of these processes becomes greater we must ask ourselves what is the social and environmental cost of our consumer desires?

Digital Matters: The Earth Behind the Screen is a group exhibition exploring the relationship between the natural and the technological through artworks produced in Hong Kong and China. The participating artists attempt to interrogate the material foundations of our contemporary digital universe and its related socio-political and environmental concerns.

Exhibition dates: Friday 3 November 2017 – Sunday 4 February 2018
Venue: Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art (CFCCA), Manchester
Gallery opening times: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free