AN art exhibition influenced by research into dance is coming to Leigh next month.
Simeon Barclay’s Bus2Move will be on display at The Turnpike from Friday, February 14 until Saturday, April 18.
In the artist’s first institutional solo exhibition in the North West. he explores subjects from the visual spectacle of contemporary dance theatre to the experience of the night club dance floor.
It combines costume, film and video, photography, lighting and sound to create a series of sculptural installations.
Barclay’s interest in dance centres on the construction of masculinity with focus on the way popular perceptions and stereotypes become defined in the dancing male body.
He has been influenced by older relatives, footballers’ skills, the grace and poise of great dancers such as Fred Astaire, Top of the Pops and the theatre.
Simeon's Look No Hands display
Simeon said: “My own exposure to dance and performance in its widest sense come from diverse experiences.
“Added to these experiences was the recreational space of the nightclub, a space I came of age in, becoming an active participant, an actor in the performance of subtle codes of initiation and belonging within a tribe within a community.”
Barclay undertook a research residency at the internationally renowned Phoenix Dance Theatre based in Leeds to inform the creation of artwork for the exhibition.
Director at The Turnpike Helen Stalker said: “We’re delighted to be working with Simeon Barclay on the Bus2move exhibition and bring an artist of his calibre to Leigh.
"His residency with Phoenix Dance in Leeds has produced an extraordinary, immersive body of artwork that we can’t wait to show here.
"Simeon’s work speaks of re-imagining yourself and developing a sense of aspiration while growing up in a small town, and having spent time with Simeon, developing ideas for The
An installation of Simeon's work
Turnpike exhibition, it has become apparent how much he understands a place like Leigh.”
The exhibition has been put together in partnership with The Tetley, Leeds and Workplace Foundation, Gateshead and has been supported by Arts Council England and Henry Moore Foundation.
Pictures: Jules Lister
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