One of Birmingham’s best independent city bars, Bar Opus, is to showcase works by an internationally renowned artist as it launches its second art exhibition in support of local talent.
The bar at One Snowshill has joined forces with Sophie Hedderwick and Jewellery Quarter-based Argentea Gallery to present nine photographs by the artist, who creates multi-media artwork using light, film and textiles.
Opening on June 7, the exhibition is the second one that Bar Opus has hosted to celebrate the best of Birmingham’s cultural talent. The first took place in January when Mark Howard of Disorder Boutique combined his love of fashion and art to produce a range of thought-provoking pieces.
The exhibition will also host works of art from Birmingham-born innovators Key & Tam, the creative duo behind LOWLFE.
LOWLFE takes everyday objects that can be found just about anywhere, such as phones, plants, coins and dead insects and introduces them to the world of miniature people.
LOWLFE said, “We combine these elements to point the finger at issues we feel are bigger than us all; the decline of the planet’s resources and inhabitants, our overuse and reliance of technology, the political figures that dominate our news feeds and what the world may look like once it hits the fan.”
With their whimsical approach and droll sense of humour, LOWLFE keeps the compositions playful but when carefully examined, there is an underlining message that sparks conversation and challenges the conventional.
Irene Allen, director, said: “We’re very excited to work with Sophie and LOWLFE and celebrate their incredible work here at Bar Opus. As an independent venue, we strive to do things a little differently and while the Opus brand has always advocated the local food scene and sourced produce from the region where we can, it makes sense to extend that support to the arts, which have a natural affinity with food.”
Sophie Hedderwick’s work has been exhibited worldwide, featuring in Milan, New York, Tokyo and at the Venice Art Biennale 2009.
She will bring her multimedia show Swift As A Shadow to Bar Opus, which comprises large format digital prints, Polaroid collections and a video installation.
Inspired by Degas’ Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, it explores the contentious pose of the original sculpture through photographing a contemporary ballet dancer in a series of movements.
By recording light traces from LED lights sewn into the dancer’s corset, the multi-layered images examine how the manipulation of the figure produces a sensuous art form that is not only beautiful but also challenging in its representation of female youth.
Sophie, a PhD researcher at the Birmingham School of Art who lives in the Jewellery Quarter, said: “I couldn’t resist the opportunity to show my work at Bar Opus. It’s a bright and modern place that attracts a varied clientele, so it will be fascinating to see their reactions to my work.”
Jennie Anderson, of Argentea Gallery, which displayed Sophie’s show at the Argentea Gallery, added: “We were thrilled to have Sophie exhibiting her work at the gallery and to collaborate with Bar Opus is another great way to take her art to a bigger audience and engage with people who wouldn’t necessarily think of visiting an art gallery. I’ve no doubt that Sophie’s work will be admired because she is extremely talented, combining traditional and innovative techniques to create unique, experimental pieces.”
Swift As A Shadow and LOWFE can be seen at Bar Opus from June 7.
For more information on Bar Opus, visit www.baropus.co.uk
