Box on the Docks (BOTD) presents the ‘New Art Showcase’, profiling eight local artists in ‘Art Hall’, a temporary covered venue in the heart of MediaCity’s gardens. Alongside the artwork is a mix of independent street food vendors, Seven Bro7hers bar, and the venue will play host to a varied events programme including a range of creative workshops, family activities and live music performances.
The ethos of Box on the Docks has always focused on supporting and nurturing local and independent artists which this new edition of the Art Hall concept complements. Art Hall invites visitors to experience a curated showcase of original artwork featuring eight local artists, open until 9th March.
Curated by design and art duo, Mikesian Studio, the exhibit showcases some of the boundless creativity found in the local area. Mikesian Studio will also showcase their work – a mix of powerful words, bold colours, and graphic forms, with a focus on bringing bright, inclusive artwork to communal and public spaces. Also, on display is work from:
- Ahmed Mohammed – working in a purely abstract way, in his large-scale works, he uses oil sticks to intuitively create expressive expanses of colour and form. All his work incorporates bold and assertive mark making in a spectrum of colours.
- Alena Ruth – freelance artist based in Manchester, specialising in rug tufting. Sentimental and soft feelings play into her chosen imagery, from long-lost loves to current mental health struggles and lingering emotions from past traumas.
- Fleur Yearsley – the recipient of the Gwen John Scholarship in 2017, her work ‘To The Moon and Back’ was part of the John Moore Painting Prize 2020 at the Walker Art Galley..
- Joe O’Donnell – based in Manchester for almost ten years, Joe’s work focuses on animals and nature depicted in his signature wobbly style that has been compared to stitching patterns and pixel art.
- John Cake – using traditional and digital techniques, Cake makes multi-layered, wild style mind map paintings and sculptures.
- Mariel Osborn – her glitter tassel canopies and backdrops are made from hundreds and thousands of hand tied strands with colours picked and blended to evoke different moods and feelings. The green and pink overhead streamers in the Art Hall are energetic and spring like.
- Tara Collette – working with predominately textiles and glass, Collette specialises in creating banners with bold, provocative commentary on social issues. Humour and absurdness are laced throughout her work, adding playfulness and irreverence wherever possible.
Alongside the display, Art Hall will also play host to a range of art, creative and wellbeing events.
To kick off the new season, Box on the Docks presents ‘PAL-entines’ at the Art Hall on Thursday 16th February from 5pm, with entertainment from 6pm – 10pm. The free event will be a celebration of friendship with a showcase of the best of Salford’s local creative talent. BBC Radio Manchester’s David Scott a.k.a. Argh Kid will play host whilst visitors can enjoy music from BBC Introducing’s artists Roesh and Prido, as well as comedic poetry from poet, Jenny Berry, with other artists soon to be announced.
Visitors will also be able to screen print their own tote bags with artist, Sally Gilford.
