Quiet Revolution

A Hayward Touring Exhibition

Milton Keynes Gallery

4 July – 30 August 2009

Quiet Revolution is an international group exhibition of sculptural works created from found or discarded materials. The exhibition features seven artists: David Beattie (Ireland); Margret H. Blondal (Iceland); Matt Calderwood (UK); Alice Channer (UK); Hreinn Fridfinnsson (Iceland); Mitzi Pederson (US); Joelle Tuerlinckx (Belgium); who take familiar and unnoticed materials such as brooms, hula hoops or mirrors and transform them to create artworks that challenge viewers to look at the world with fresh eyes. The exhibition is curated by Chris Fite-Wassilak, winner of the first of three annual Hayward Touring Curatorial Open competitions.

The expression ‘quiet revolution’ refers to a social or cultural shift that isn’t obvious or violent. In a similar fashion, the works in this exhibition help alter public perception of the qualities of commonplace objects. From David Beattie’s laconic homemade science projects; and Alice Channer’s explorations of space and pattern; to the slapstick tension of Matt Calderwood’s assemblages; and the disarmingly simple poetic conceptualism of Hreinn Fridfinnsson, this quiet revolution draws our attention to new and creative material possibilities. Whether working with cardboard, wood, or flour, these artists share a light touch and a deft sense of humour in transforming what they find ready to hand.

The Hayward Touring Curatorial Open programme aims to support emerging and independent UK-based curators in realising an innovative contemporary art exhibition, introducing a new avenue of access into the Hayward Touring programme. The first Curatorial Open has been selected and developed in partnership with Milton Keynes Gallery and the Harris Museum & Art Gallery, Preston.

Touring information:

4 July – 30 August 2009                                    Milton Keynes Gallery

18 September - 15 November                        Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston