Artist led charity Pool Arts have been commissioned by HOME Manchester to produce new work that will be exhibited in HOME’s Granada Galleries from 29 July until 7 September. A preview will take place on 28 July at 6pm.
The exhibition, titled ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ is a collection of work from some very different artists, using mixed media works in painting, collage, assemblage and installation.
As a group of multidisciplinary artists, Pool Arts are constantly evolving and adapting. And a work of art in their own right. Though much of their practice explores the political and economic realities of today, many of the artists are as concerned with the aesthetic as they are with the social. A common thread is that they look to be confrontational through their continued presence in the world as a collective of supportive souls.
Anne-Louise Kershaw, professional mentor for the artists and co-curator of the exhibition said “In a ‘post-covid’, post-truth society where people are being systematically disconnected from the real essential things they need to grow and thrive and enjoy life through an increased use of technological, media bureaucratic systems that desensitise and disconnect us from each other and ourselves, the mere act of peer support, love, kindness becomes one of the most radical. The resulting excellent standard of unique and individual artists and artworks are an example of what can happen when we are ourselves democratic, loving and kind. Random Acts of Kindness is no longer gift card glib, but one of the only real things we can genuinely do to make change. These artists and their artwork is a random act of kindness, one of the most truly political acts of all.”
The exhibition is dedicated to their founder Alison Kershaw who passed away in October 2021. It has been commissioned by HOME Projects, produced by Alice Wilde of HOME Projects, and curated by Annette Ebanks, Anne Louise Kershaw and Nick Telfer of Pool Arts. It runs from 29 July-25 September. The preview event and exhibition are both free to attend.