ARTISTS TALKING

Colony, Birmingham
1 November – 10 December

Colony is a truly nomadic artist-run space based in Birmingham. In 2004, the first show accommodated a vacant building in Digbeth; the current show ‘All at once, together, at the same time’ occupies an industrial space in the Jewellery Quarter. The installation covers one wall with an array of different media all positioned, or staged, into a prolific landscape of artworks. We are reminded, momentarily, of what could be considered a ‘traditional’ structure of an exhibition, resembling an overwhelming display that leaves little definition between each piece. However, this similarity lapses, as we realise that this show is a genuine installation, in the sense that it is neither medium-specific nor itself a medium. It stands for one clear idea established by Colony.

The exhibition shows work by over 100 national and international artists who responded to an open call to be part of the show. No piece of work was rejected; every piece of work submitted is included. The only selection process that has occurred is through the presentation of each piece. As we journey through this landscape, layers of meaning and potential meta-narratives emerge.

The show includes commissioned work by Peter Lloyd Lewis and Simon and Tom Bloor; this offers a lucidity and visual framework throughout. Lloyd Lewis’ paintings are vibrant pauses in the journey through the landscape. They are investigations that offer alternative interpretations to the idea of relation within the exhibition. The Bloors’ substantial collage of etchings of historical events in Birmingham throughout the eighteenth century are tangible images that present an original relationship between artworks and experience of the everyday world beyond the doors of the gallery.

This idea of collage translates on to the experience of the show, and we are able to consider the idea as a whole. This overlapping or layering of works of art represents questions that are prevalent in today’s art scene, particularly as we seem to be in the shadow of this year’s festivals, art fairs and biennales. The idea for the show opens an opportunity for us to develop our own value systems, rather than be governed and dictated to in a harshly lit ‘supermarket’ format. Yet, this ‘democratic’ idea of ‘all-inclusive’ demands confidence from the artists who have submitted their work and us, as viewers, in Colony’s role as artist-curator. A recent article in a-n questioned this role, and I am drawn to the number of suggestions that it incurs ‘control’, through the notion of an artist reclaiming ownership over an exhibition whether or not their own work is included. For ‘All at once...’ this process of including all submitted works has simply made it all the more necessary and important to control the presentation, or re-presentation, of the works, turning this notion of democracy back on to itself. The exhibition challenges our expectations in a creative way and it is informed from a collective of experiences. This is due to Colony’s role as artist-curator. Indeed, this exhibition presents an exploration into the critique of utopian ideals, gallery systems, and ‘possibility’ through the extension of an idea. It can be appreciated as a whole project, yet, at the same time can be picked apart to delve deeper into the heart of the landscape and make our own narratives with the artworks.

‘All at once...’ is successful due to the control of ‘artist-curator’; a fundamental idea is answered in a significant and challenging way. More specifically, this is an exhibition in the Midlands that is a realistic representation of what is happening in the contemporary art scene. It is a substantial contribution to the region, both creatively and theoretically.

Alli Beddoes

Alli Beddoes is a freelance curator and co-founder of Birmingham-based Capital Art Projects.