I am a little later than usual handing out my highlights but I had a break with my family and it was nice to switch off for a few days. So what is happening this month?
There is a huge buzz around the fact that the sun doesn’t set until 7pm now which means there is more to do in an evening than draw the curtains and cosy on down. There’s evening walks to be had and a chance to enjoy the scenery more.
As we know, April brings showers and as Billy Connolly once said, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing. So get yourself a sexy raincoat and live a little.” I think I am going to take Billy’s advice. So what is on culturally that I am excited about? Have a read and see what you think.
Spatial Fragments 5th until the 14th April – Boathouse No5 – Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
A unique experience showcasing a diverse range of art pieces. Explore the intricate details and creativity of each fragment as you wander through the exhibit. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in this reimagining of this historic space. I loved it this exhibition.
I spent time talking to the architect involved in this project, Deniz, who said, “I love the fact that this building isn’t empty. It has had artists be in residence there and work on art. It is important to share the structure and the story of Storehouse No9. I am glad we can share that through the exhibition.”
Spatial Fragments is a location-specific project that seeks to record and respond to research into the existing architectural features, objects, artefacts and archives linked to the historic building that is Storehouse no9. Working with combinations of printmaking, drawing, sculpture and installation, Fine Artists Pippa Charlesworth, Sally Tyrie and Architect Deniz Beck have reimagined and reinterpreted the discoveries they have made during a year-long residency. A celebration of the building, its history and how art can capture and preserve the essence of a place. Open 11am until 4pm.
Sam Rabin ‘A Life’ Exhibition 5th April – 5th May – Jack House Gallery – Old Portsmouth
An exhibition celebrating the extraordinary life of Sam Rabin. The story of Sam Rabin’s rich and extraordinary life encompasses successful careers in sculpture, painting & drawing, teaching but also boxing, wrestling to Olympic standard, film stunt work & professional singing.
This exhibition tells his story using photographs, artworks, posters & items borrowed from the Stanley Paine archive at Manchester Metropolitan University, Darnley Fine Art Ltd and curator John Sheeran and launches a new book about his life by Bill Crow which is available for sale on the gallery website. Open Thursday to Saturday 12pm until 5pm.
Offbeat Secret Garden Night – 12th April – Offbeat – Albert Road – Southsea
Having seen this vegan cafe gain a huge amount of love from the Southsea locals (not just because it does nice coffee), it is nice to see support for the garden project that the owners want to achieve. Offbeet and Stone Throw Kitchen are offering a special collaborative evening to raise funds for the Offbeet garden. This is a ticketed event and tickets can be purchased by going to the crowdfunder and selecting the pizza event as a reward. Each ticket (£15) is redeemable against a pizza from the menu and a soft drink.
Further sides and alcoholic beverages will also be available as an additional purchase. All profits will go towards the amazing garden project.
Aspex Portsmouth and Photoworks are pleased to present Lauren Joy Kennett’s (LJK) first solo show and the debut of her newest body of work Sorry I’m Not Sorry. Commissioned as part of the In Focus programme, this new body of work explores the artists’ experience of living with undiagnosed autism.
Through autobiographical and archive photography, LJK uses cutting and collaging techniques to explore self-discovery, confrontation of life’s traumas and experiences that have shaped her existence. The exhibition is free and open to the public.
If you are free on Tuesday mornings, you could join an exciting and educational Explorative Drawing Course led by experienced tutors Katie Munro and Ella Kilgour. This course will focus on different ways of drawing, exploring ways of seeing still life or the figure, and experimenting with mark making using charcoal, pastel, and pencil.
Expect to engage with a wide variety of playful and structured exercises that explore the importance of composition, line, tonal values and form.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this course is accessible to all levels of experience. The course will take place in the historic Round Tower in Old Portsmouth, providing a unique and inspiring setting for artistic exploration.
Hotwalls Open Studios Plus Guest -Sunday the 21st April – Hotwalls – Old Portsmouth
Hotwalls Studios is hosting its monthly Open Studios. All 13 studios open their doors between 11am and 4pm, for the public to chat, watch and buy. You might find demonstrations and possible drop-in sessions throughout the studios and go seek the special guest artist in the Historic Round Tower.
April’s guest artist is Southsea Mudlark aka Lynn Nicholls and you can find out more about her here.
Grate Fire Kitchen – 25th April – By The Beach Wine Bar – St Georges Road – Southsea
By The Beach wine bar kick off their monthly supper club by bringing Southsea favourites, Grate Catering to their doors, for a fab 4-course sit-down fire-cooked feast! Nothing shouts warmer weather than a BBQ of some kind and let’s face it, Grate Catering know how to crank up the fire and create a fabulous meal! Click the link to book.
Join second-year photography collective @ood.exhibition for their show ‘Obscure Objects of Desire’ inside Boathouse 5 which will open 10-4pm.
What could be said to be the real cause, motivation and object of our desires?
The work selected for this exhibition seeks to respond to these differing viewpoints and to offer an alternative viewpoint to how we typically respond to the word desire. Through a deliberate avoidance of the easily read and the familiar, desire is mobilised here without such clear direction.
Look out for more info on this exhibition by checking out Pompey Darkroom socials.
Featured Image – From Sally Tyrie
