Visual art exhibitions and events with a platform for critical writing
Red Nile projects, Sunderland
21-26 March
Reviewed by: Ray White
As I write this, Doctor Who is about to regenerate, and the City of Sunderland is doing likewise. This is concentrated in the Sunniside area, the site of the old town centre and current home of Red Nile. In time-honoured tradition, Red Nile is named after the fact that they presently occupy a red-fronted warehouse on Nile street. This six-person exhibition is a result of the group’s founders each nominating an artist to work alongside them on a three-week residency. The result only very loosely hangs on the concept of regeneration and includes works that vary in their ability to sit with ease within the large open industrial space.
Among the works are Michael Branthwaite’s vaguely sexual/biological constructions using household materials such as copper piping, bright yellow dusters and even a child’s paddling pool. Graham Hutchinson’s assemblages evoke a secret life of toys and, for me anyway, a slightly obsessive nostalgia gone awry. Initially looking a bit lost amongst the rest of the work, they do however manage to maintain their integrity and hold their own. sR11337 by Peter Hindle uses MAX/MsP software to turn sunderland views into interactive sound pieces. Using on-screen variables such as volume, bass and treble, the audience can click on any part of a chosen image to hear an aural equivalent. simple and engaging, I found myself following the gradated colour of a green fluorescent strip-light to cause subtle scales, then trying an orange shop sign, a blue sky.
As is often the case in areas of redevelopment, Red Nile will find itself looking for new premises almost immediately the exhibition closes. This begs several questions: can they sustain their stated aim to re-invigorate cultural activity in Sunderland, and will they keep the name? And for both The Doctor and Sunderland, will the regeneration game be a success?
Writer detail:
Ray White is an artist and independent curator.
Venue detail:
Rednile Projects Ltd
c/o Hendon Co-operative Centre, 44 Mowbray Road, Sunderland SR1 8EL
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