It was Paradise | Rachel Gadsden | Friday 13 October until 23 October 2017
It Was Paradise, 2017, mixed media on paper
It was Paradise | LONDON, WEST BANK AND GAZA | FRIDAY 13 October until 23 October 2017
Private View Thursday 12 October from 5 pm to 8 pm
Taking a psycho-geographical approach, the collaboration addresses global concerns about migration, the lingering flight of the refugee, and disabled and bereaved people, through the creation of visceral visual artworks. It was Paradise is inspired by the themes of Palestinian poet and author Mahmoud Darwish’s poetry; and, above all, the objective of the artistic collaboration is to cultivate hope.
This exhibition represents an overview of Gadsden’s diverse artistic practice, and offers the opportunity to engage with her current Unlimited Research and Development Award project, It was Paradise, a collaboration with artists from the West Bank and Gaza.
Expressionistic in approach, Rachel Gadsden undertakes commissioned art projects, nationally and internationally, through drawing, painting, performance, animation and film, and always with the overriding objective of presenting a cross-cultural visual language and dialogue that considers profound notions of what it is to be human. She points, ultimately, in the direction of what is the triumph of the human spirit.
GV Art have exhibited and supported Gadsden’s work for over 15 years, and curator Robert Devcic is an active mentor for the It was Paradise project.
Gadsden’s gift for telling other peoples’ stories by drawing upon her own experiences is a relationship that – for anyone who knows Rachel – is perfectly organic. Neither does it end with the completion of the work; it grows, and gives rise to new and unexpected dialogues and adventures. In forging a relationship with Rachel and her work the viewer too becomes part of this extraordinary world, defined by energy and creativity.
For press enquiries and images contact:
GV Art London on
T : 020 8417 0209| M : 07775 828 465| E : media@gvart.co.uk
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
Rachel Gadsden has a BA (Hons) and MA in Fine Art and is a multi-award-winning artist and artistic director. Gadsden’s projects have been exhibited throughout UK, across Europe and in Bahrain, Brazil, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the USA. Gadsden was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from London South Bank University in 2016. www.lsbu.ac.uk/case-studies/rachel-gadsden-honorary-doctor
The Norman Plastow Gallery is an exciting and versatile community exhibition space set in the heart of Wimbledon Village. It forms part of the Wimbledon Village Hall Trust facilities and is an important part of its charitable provision. Full details at www.wimbledonvht.org.uk/the-village-hall-gallery
VISITOR INFORMATION GALLERY OPENING HOURS
Norman Plastow Gallery Monday to Sunday 11am – 6pm
Village Hall, 26 Lingfield Road or by appointment
Wimbledon Village Admission Free
London SW19 4QD
GETTING THERE
The Gallery is accessed from the Village Hall in Lingfield Road, off Ridgway which is at the top of Wimbledon Hill Road. Parking is available, (metered until 6.30pm). The gallery is on the 1st floor (as part of a listed building there is no lift access).
Nearest tube + overground station Wimbledon / Buses 200 and 93