With the arrival of spring, we are proud to launch an exciting new exhibition as well as an upcoming exhibition launch.
Come and experience altered, a major solo exhibition by British sculptor and disability rights activist, Tony Heaton OBE. The exhibition explores Heaton’s sculptural practice from his early disability rights activism and his initiation of the National Disability Arts Collection and Archive (NDACA), to more recent work that includes direct stone carving and neon text pieces. With wit and self-awareness, Heaton uses a range of materials and techniques to produce intelligent and thought-provoking work that is a reflection of the artist’s own biography. altered follows on from our 2015 presentation of ‘Art, Life, Activism’, the inaugural exhibition in our galleries.
“I am almost always reminded that I am perceived as a disabled person, and much of my work explores my personal analysis of these everyday interactions.” – Tony Heaton
Born in Lancashire, Tony Heaton has exhibited nationally and internationally, with his work included within public and private collections across the UK. Some of his artworks directly relate to his disability activism, for which he was awarded an OBE in 2013 for his services to the arts and disability arts movement. This includes ‘Shaken not Stirred’, a pyramid of charity collecting cans into which Tony threw a prosthetic limb on live television as an act of protest. In recognition of his work, Heaton also holds honorary doctorates from both the University of Leicester and Buckinghamshire New University.
altered is presented in partnership with Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Centre who have produced a catalogue to accompany the exhibition supported by the Henry Moore Foundation, which is available to buy from the shop. We will also have a brand-new sculpture for sale: a wall-mounted version of Heaton’s Suite sculptures, offered in a limited edition of 25 in various colours. ‘Sliced: Fruits’ is new and available exclusively at a special price from Attenborough Arts Centre for the duration of the exhibition.
With this exciting exhibition, we invite you to join us for the launch event on the Thursday 23 March, 5pm – 7pm. Free to everyone with drinks available, book your place by clicking here.
Photo by Brendan Buesnel, 2018.