Review: 'Juneau Projects - I Am The Warrior' at John Hansard Gallery Central

Photo: Courtesy of John Hansard Gallery

‘Juneau Projects: I Am The Warrior’ celebrates not just art, but the drive to create it. It focuses on the creativity that exerts itself in countless ways, with countless outcomes and continues to transform day by day. By embracing this, ‘I Am The Warrior’ reflects our desire not only to view, but to create art, to produce it, in any way possible. The way the exhibition changes over time re-evaluates the gallery environment itself. Work is not fixed, but is placed temporarily, on show and then not, or repositioned as new works are thrown into the mix. A force, itching to find something new, drives the project to grow and develop.

There is an air of graffiti art to the curation of the show. Vivid colours are splashed over the walls along with huge blocks of pink and yellow, while the artists’ names are chalked onto the wall. There is a sense of spontaneity, things are in motion, go back tomorrow and there will be more work, more scribbled names, forming an erratic, sensational display of creativity.

For me, the standout work was by Ning-Ning Li. Her line reminded me very much of Warhol’s early illustration work, with the simplicity and pastel palette emphasised by the bold surroundings of the gallery. Literally anything goes here, from written and framed poetry, to model painting, an animal made of empty milk bottles, bracelets and an impressive sculpture by Chris Cudlip, titled ‘Drum Fish’.

Photo: Courtesy of John Hansard Gallery

The show captures the impulsiveness and temporality of street art, but its biggest success comes from its democratic approach to the selection and display of people’s work. The project celebrates art that is made for the sheer joy of making it. It is also important to note that this is the Central gallery’s final exhibition (its main building remains open), so it is clear to see why an exhibition of this style was chosen, as it reflects the galleries own spontaneity in terms of its location and short tenancy.

‘I Am The Warrior’ sends out the Central gallery in a flourish of colour, but the story is far from over. Despite major cuts to budgets across the country, Southampton’s Cultural Quarter looks to grow exponentially. In 2015, work will be completed on the new arts complex, which will play host to the new John Hansard Gallery, as well as new performance spaces and a selection of other related ventures.

Photo: Culture Southampton. Artists impression of the new arts complex

For now, head over to the ‘Juneau Project’ exhibition, then go back after a few days and see what has changed, as new work is being added almost every day. Submissions are open and are still being taken, so if you have anything you would like to show, be it photography, sculpture or hobby craft, be sure to send it over to the gallery (follow the link to the Hansard website for more information).

'Juneau Projects: I Am the Warrior' runs until April 27th at the John Hansard Gallery Central, visit their website for more information on how to submit your work. A new exhibition, 'Performance/Audience/Film' opens at the main John Hansard Gallery on March 26th. 

Joe Rose

Co-Editor