As part of Bluecoat’s ongoing commitment to supporting outstanding Northern artists, they were so pleased to present a solo show by Liverpool-based Frances Disley back in March 2020 and are equally thrilled to have the chance to run her show in full.
Tickets are available to book now via their website here. They are currently operating limited opening hours and a timed ticketing system to ensure social distancing in the building.
Disley is interested in the things we do to feel better about ourselves, while shunning the elitism often found within the self-care industry, with its obsessions with conventional beauty, ideal body mass and self-regard.
Pattern Buffer explores the potential of the gallery space to create a restorative environment. Relaxing film works combine with specially selected plants and comfortable seating to create a welcoming setting focused on the wellbeing of the visitor.
The exhibition features an alternative mindfulness guide; hairdressing as video art, and plants which survive from moisture in the air. The grid of the Holodeck, a device from Star Trek (The Next Generation) covers the gallery floor and walls, inviting participants to engage with different fantasy environments.
With the kind permission of the artist they have removed some elements installed in March including hand printed textiles and specially commissioned jigsaws.
The artist intends this to remain a restorative and restful space and has added new elements – a playful Guided Visualisation plays on the hour and with an additional atmospheric soundtrack running across the space.
The artist has also been back on site to make the show verdant once more including additional plants that she’s nurtured over lockdown.
Marie-Anne McQuay, Head of Programme at Bluecoat, said: “Even as we opened her exhibition in early March Frances Disley was incorporating a hand sanitiser into her vinyl wall paintings. This was done with her customary pragmatism, style and dedication to care for others. I’m so pleased we can reopen Pattern Buffer and audiences can experience a new version of this restorative and restful exhibition”
Frances Disley’s exhibition is supported by Art Fund