Local resident and Lambeth Mencap trustee Vicki Prout blogs about an upcoming free exhibition featuring work by Brixton artists with learning disabilities. Wild Art runs from Wednesday 27th to Saturday 30th May at the Menier Gallery in Southwark.
An exhibition of works by artists from south London charity Lambeth Mencap will be opened by renowned barrister Michael Mansfield QC next week. Wild Art, hosted at the Menier Gallery in Southwark, will feature work by artists with learning disabilities and autism.
Last summer ten Lambeth Mencap service users travelled to an art school in the south of France on an art holiday, where they were inspired by their surroundings and supported to create unique works. Brixton residents Donald Conlin, Jacqui Coley and John McGuire were on the trip and will have work displayed at the Wild Art exhibition.
Together the trio, of Myatt’s Field, have been Lambeth Mencap service users for over twenty years and are looking forward to seeing their work displayed.
The art trip took two years to plan, but the artists were rewarded by a once in a lifetime experience where they could fully immerse themselves in art morning, noon and night. Artist and art tutor Prodeepta Okell is the driving force behind Lambeth Mencap’s artistic project.
She said: “In our Wild Art trip to the south of France Lambeth Mencap’s artists enjoyed exploring the wildness of the landscape and we all shared a sense of freedom that has been captured in the work the artists have produced. The artists are excited to have this chance to share their talents with the public.”
Jacqui, one of the Brixton artists whose work will be in the exhibition, was particularly taken with the mountains during her visit to France. “I can see the rocks, look at those mountains. I can see rocks, I’m working with rocks” she said, and she channeled this into her art book and land art.
Michael Mansfield QC, who has supported the Wild Art project since its inception, will open the show which runs from Wednesday 27th to Saturday to 30th May.
The exhibition is free to visit and will feature over seventy pieces of art including prints of paintings by the individual artists as well as photos of larger pieces of ‘land art’ created collectively by the group.
Throughout the show Lambeth Mencap is organising a series of creative workshops at the Menier Gallery in Southwark, free for people with learning disabilities to attend. If you know of any learning disability service users who would like to take part please contact Prodeepta Okell for more information and bookings (details below). Service users from all boroughs are welcome.
Thursday 28 May
- 11am-6pm: Animations workshop – you can produce and complete a short animation.
- 11am-6pm: Film Making sessions – your chance to have a go at all different part of film making, including acting, directing and editing.
- Time tbc: Sensory Story Telling – session for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
Friday 29 May
- 6.30-8pm: Film Screenings- professional films made by adults with learning disabilities and autism (drinks and pizza served)
Sat 30 May
- 11am – 6pm: Animations workshop- produce and complete a short animation
- 11am-6pm: Film Making sessions- have a go at doing some filming
- 11am – 4pm: Art classes- create art using techniques inspired by artwork in the exhibition
- 12 noon-2.30pm: Flower Arranging– produce an arrangement with fresh flowers to take home
For more information or to book into a session please contact Prodeepta Okell on 0208 655 7705 or email pokell@lambethmencap.org.uk.
