Grundy Art Gallery Summer Programme

A riot of colour and queer expression is unleashed this summer as ‘Flamboyant Flamingos’ gather at Grundy Art Gallery in Blackpool.

 The Grundy Art Gallery’s summer exhibition will be unveiled during a launch event on Saturday 6 July between 1pm and 4pm (ALL WELCOME) and will then continue from 9 July until 7 September.

This summer, Grundy Art Gallery proudly presents a major exhibition of newly commissioned work by the acclaimed, Blackpool-based artist, Garth Gratrix (b. 1984). Flamboyant Flamingos is Gratrix’s largest and most prestigious exhibition to date. It is also the first time in recent history that a Blackpool born and Blackpool based artist has been invited to exhibit in Grundy’s much coveted summer season slot.

Alongside Gratrix’s body of new work, Gratrix and the Grundy have also worked together to bring the work of world-renowned artists Derek Jarman (1942-1994), and Felix Gonzalez-Torres (1957-1996) to the gallery.
Paulette Brien, Curator of Grundy Art Gallery, said, “We are delighted that Garth, who has a growing national and international profile will sit centre stage in the Grundy’s programme this summer alongside the work of pioneering artists Derek Jarman and Felix Gonzalez- Torres. Flamboyant Flamingos promises to be a must-see exhibition. It is a celebration of the vibrancy of Garth’s creative practice, recognition of the pulling power of Grundy as a beacon for world-class contemporary art and an affirmation of Blackpool’s position as a thriving hub of LGBTQ+ culture.”

Gratrix is a key figure in contemporary art’s exploration of nuanced queer expression. As a queer artist, Gratrix uses a playful and investigative approach to colour, language and materials weaving personal narratives into vibrant playful forms. In this new body of work, Gratrix continues his exploration of how codes can communicate hidden as well as universally understood messages and how the site of the exhibition can offer a space for contemplation and kinship. In a further act of playfulness, ‘Flamboyant Flamingos’ also sees the artist interacting with the space of the gallery itself, generating an immersive ‘resort-like’ atmosphere using neon and glowing coastal hues.

The presentation of work by Derek Jarman and Felix Gonzalez-Torres creates a conversation across time. Chosen for their pioneering approaches to art-making, and the deep influence that their work has had, these artists are also recognised for their important contribution to the history of art made by artists with queer lived experience. 

Released four months prior to Jarman’s death from AIDS related complications, Blue (1993),is the artist’s final feature film. Set against a static blue background, the work takes the form of an audio-visual poem where spoken words, music and sounds combine to create an uncompromising and deeply moving meditation on the artist’s life, loves and impending death. Blue is generously on loan from Basilisk Communications Ltd. Grundy’s presentation of the work represents the first time it has been exhibited in Lancashire.  Intended for Audiences Aged 15+

The work of Felix Gonzalez-Torres is celebrated for its minimalist visual vocabulary and its evocative use of everyday objects to explore profound themes of love, loss, temporality, and perpetual renewal. “Untitled” (Last Light),1993,  is part of the artist’s series of ‘light-string’ works which are made using commonplace electrical components, including the humble lightbulb. Wilfully simple in appearance, this work, offers the viewer a puzzle to solve and a story to complete. This work is on loan from a Private Collection, c/o The Felix Gonzalez-Torres Foundation and is the first time that it has been shown in Lancashire. Thanks to David Zwirner, London and Andrea Rosen Gallery, New York.

COLLECTION SPOTLIGHT: CODE & CONDUCT
Programmed throughout the year, Collection Spotlight exhibitions are an opportunity for work from the Grundy’s collection to be seen in a new light. This summer 'Collection Spotlight: Code & Conduct' is the result of a collaboration between the Grundy and the artist, Garth Gratrix who have worked together to select work that speaks to key themes being explored across Flamboyant Flamingos. This exhibition will also include additional work by Gratrix, as well as the painting, Man Lying Face Down c.1820 by William Etty (1787–1894) which is on loan from the collection of Scarborough Museums and Galleries.

The summer exhibition programme will be supported by a series of exhibition tours, events and workshops.

Please see www.thegrundy.org for updated information.