The BACKLIT Gallery's Annual Members Show, running from July 12 to August 4, 2024, is a celebration of contemporary art that showcases the extraordinary talent of 52 artists from the BACKLIT studio community. Curated by Jazz Swali, Marta Marsicka, and Harry Freestone, the exhibition is a testament to the power of collaboration, experimentation, and innovation, which are central to the creative processes at BACKLIT studios.
Upon entering, I was greeted by Marta, the Artist Development Coordinator and part of the curatorial team for the current exhibition, who showed me around. The exhibition space, an old factory now repurposed as a gallery, added a raw and unique element to the exhibition. It is also one of the largest studio spaces in Nottingham.
Given the mix of 52 artists, I was curious to see how the space had seamlessly merged each of their works, especially since the exhibition has no fixed theme. With no written text on the walls or artistic descriptions, this free-themed exhibition was a curation of everything the artists created last year. One of the standout aspects of the exhibition is its ability to blend various artistic disciplines seamlessly. The inclusion of both established and emerging artists ensures a dynamic and ever-evolving showcase. Each artwork felt like a window into the artist's unique perspective and creative journey over the past year.
For instance, Janhvi Sharma’s piece, tied with ceramics, reflected her cultural roots in her Indian heritage. Freddy Griffiths, whose core practice is photography, had installations with a style similar to Janhvi's. Lucy Nelson, another Nottingham Trent University graduate, showcased her craft using silicon to depict fluid, jelly-like art. It looks fragile and easily destroyed but is resilient, expanding and changing texture, drawing inspiration from femininity and her journey as a woman.
The exhibit also featured renowned artists such as Jade Foster, Tkya Xavier, Stan Charles Roberts, Masah Azar, and many more. Even the director, Suzanne Golden, had two pieces displayed that beautifully depicted the correlation between skin and mental health, openly sharing her struggle with eczema and its links to her mental health.
Theodora Prassa’s art, based on graphic design and textiles, and Klara Szafrańska, a Polish artist based in Nottingham, draw inspiration from memes and humorous everyday objects, creating surrealism in a hand-shaped structure. While Leomi Sadler was another artist on display, Neelum Aftab's intricate textile pieces weave together cultural narratives with striking visual aesthetics.
This year's show features many artworks being displayed for the first time, providing a platform for fresh and innovative expressions.
The cinema featured a short visual story by artist Casey Francis called "Mother I Am a Martyr," and "Shedding in Time" by Creative Consultant and interdisciplinary artist Usha Mahenthiralingam. "Shedding in Time" represents skin and the process of shedding it, with lentils placed in the center depicting the average amount of skin humans shed in a lifetime.
Next, I viewed three head-like structures with floating texts gushing down their throats, with descriptions and graphics printed on them. Made by visual artist Hilke Kurzke, a creative bookmaker, her art is interlinked with text, languages, codes, and more. There was also an interactive display in the form of sensor-responsive artwork where you could hop on the floor, causing marbles to jump off.
In conclusion, the BACKLIT Gallery's Annual Members Show is a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art.
Rating: 5/5
The exhibition not only highlights the immense talent within the BACKLIT community but also underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in the creative process. It is a vibrant, engaging, and thought-provoking display that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
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