Darren Coffield
dal 24/7/2013 al 30/8/2013
Segnalato da
24/7/2013
Darren Coffield
The outsiders, Newcastle upon Tyne
Ashes and Diamonds. An art exhibition by acclaimed painter Darren Coffield examining the miner's strike of the early 1980s. A series of talks and live performances will accompany the artwork itself.
The Outsiders Newcastle gallery presents a gala showcase of Ashes and Diamonds, an
art exhibition by acclaimed painter Darren Coffield examining the miner's strike of
the early 1980s. A series of talks and live performances will accompany the artwork
itself.
Coffield is noted for his fine art portraiture, such as his painting of Nova
magazine editor and 60s scenester Molly Parkin that hangs in the National Portrait
Gallery. But for Ashes and Diamonds Coffield has employed urban art influences "to
communicate with the grandchildren of the miners and their families." As a result
the work is sometimes stark and uncompromising, simultaneously echoing the sombre
nature of populist agitant art during the 1980s.
Inspired by former Derbyshire miner John Dunn, Coffield has created many of the
pieces on display using coal obtained from the National Union of Mineworkers branch
at Maltby Colliery in South Yorkshire which was officially closed in April 2013.
Some pieces feature incendiary motifs in a stencil art style including the word
"scab" hanging from the gallows. A stirring poster evocative of mass entertainment
posters, commemorates The Battle of Orgreave in which miners were attacked by
police, "Work" is a study of a coal plant in a democratic style reflecting the
personal attachment many miners had with their place of employment. The emotive
subject matter of such works as "Clockwork Orgreave" has been of particular
relevance recently given the inquiries into police brutality and cover-ups at events
such as Orgreave and Hillsborough.
Coffield's portraiture is nonetheless significantly represented. Portraits include
NUM president Arthur Scargill, his right hand man Peter Heathfield, and Scottish
miner's trade union leader Mick McGahey. Entirely new portraits for this exhibition
include that of Yorkshire NUM picket David Jones, who died, aged 24, from injuries
sustained during picketing around Ollerton Colliery in Nottinghamshire. Former Prime
Minister Margaret Thatcher is also represented - in the form of a life-sized bust
made from resin and coal dust, and a portrait in rust on iron.
The exhibition is a snapshot of the moment heavy industry died in Britain, at a time
when its absence is being felt at a national economic level. A proportion of
proceeds will be donated to the Durham Miners Association, for the restoration and
maintenance of its archive of trade union banners.
Gallery director Steve Lazarides is a keen collector of political art. He has worked
closely with politicised street artists including Banksy, Zevs and BORF. His
personal collection includes an extensive body of propaganda and revolutionary
posters, from throughout history to the present day.
For media enquiries and high resolution imagery contact:
Julia Huff or Charlotte
Sluter at Purple PR: Julia@purplepr.com
For gallery enquiries please contact Stevie Parkin:
stevie@lazinc.com
Private view: Thursday 25th July 6pm - 9pm
The outsiders
77 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne
+44 (0) 191 221 2560
www.theoutsiders.net
stevie@lazinc.com
Admission free