In less than two months I will host my first solo show since 2016, and I am very much looking forward to inviting you all along!
Last year I was awarded some funding from the Thamesmead Community Fund. The Fund awards grants to support charities and community groups or individuals to deliver activities in Thamesmead that connect the community and support social and cultural activities. My proposal includes the creation of a series of portraits of artists who are based at the Lakeside Centre: a Studio complex based in the iconic 1960’s brutalist building on Southmere Lake. The Lakeside Centre is owned by Peabody, but is run by Bow Arts, who spearheaded it’s transformation, which was completed a few years ago.
Prior to each photoshoot, I have a separate meeting with each artist to talk to them, and learn more about them and their practice. This conversation spurs the outline for how the photograph will be made, and there is a lot of variety in the finished pictures. I will be holding an exhibition at the Lakeside Centre, and creating a small publication, which will be distributed locally and available at the show. Getting To Know You works on two levels: By inviting local people to step inside the building to learn about the artists based there, and the works they make, as many local people don’t know what this space is used for! It is also an opportunity for me to get to know my fellow artists better, as when the project began I only knew a few of the artists who have been involved.
Sofya was the first person I photographed last summer for this project. She was seven months pregnant at the time, and we spent a few hot hours together, exploring the space around some locations I had previously scouted. One of Sofya’s practices is performance art, and I was in awe as she graciously moved her body with a big bump in the sweltering heat!
We created a lot of images that day, and you won’t see these on the wall, so consider this a special viewing ;-)
I will send a reminder/ invitation nearer the time, but here are the key dates to pop in your diaries!
Saturday 9th September: 1 - 4pm/ Private View 4- 7pm
Sunday 10th September: Open 1-6pm
Saturday 16th September: Open 12 - 6pm. Also set to be an Open Studio for the whole building.
Sunday 17th September: Open 1-6pm
I will also be there at these times by appointment:
Monday 11th from 6pm until late
Wednesday 13th September 10am - 5pm
I hope you can make it down sometime,
With all good wishes,
Amanda