Press Release

NO ENTRY: New exhibition opens at New Art Gallery Walsall

23 April- 4 May 2012: ‘No Entry’, exploring the hidden secrets of spaces not usually inhabited through the work of David Rowan, Stuart Whipps and Janet and Louise Wilson.

The exhibition brings together the works of three artists who delve into locked areas of society. Located in the archives of the gallery ‘No Entry’ allows for an insightful investigation into hidden spaces and the events that happen behind closed doors.

 Jodie Wingham, curator of ‘No Entry’, said: “From the beginning of the curation process I knew I wanted to exhibit the works within a space that is not open to the general public. Therefore, it seemed a natural development to locate the works within the underground archives of the gallery. The physical act of entering the archive through the stainless steel lift provides an unnerving atmosphere. When the lift opens and you are faced with the Wilson sister’s film installation ‘Gamma’ encompassing the corridor you immediately feel trapped, unsure of your surroundings and unsure whether you should be in the space.  But ‘Gamma’ draws you into the corridor; the Wilsons’ camera evokes a sense of oppression, paranoia, and terror imparted by the prospect of War through the now deserted American military base in Berkshire, England.

It was important that the selected pieces engaged with the space. David Rowans photographs from his “Pacha Kuti X” are attached to the large movable walls used for storage, forcing the viewer to physically pull the images to view them. Stuart Whipps ‘487 Uncatalogued Boxes’ are shown on the shelves of the archive filing system with the slides projected around the room, maneuvering around the space and onto the different surfaces.

I want the exhibition to be an experience, resembling the subject matter of the pieces looking into No Entry areas devoid of human contact, abandoned and left to decay.”

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