“The Outcrowd” is a shambolic visual collection of hoodlums and battered psyches, born out of a basic obsession to create. Initially formed amongst a group of friends, skateboarders, Illustrators, Designers, Image-Makers and Lurkers. Compiled, curated and realised in 2004 by two artists Lawrence Roper and Simon Peplow.
‘The Joyful Bewilderment’ showcases the work of a group of like minded image-makers. This exhibition can be seen as an expression of these artists compulsion to create. Fundamentally, the artists in the show all share an essential motivation – to explore the possibilities of enhancing everyday life by making magic from the mundane. The works in the show utilise modest and direct means – including works in pencil, paint and ink along with photographic works – which record and celebrate everyday happenstances.
All the artworks express what could be termed a ‘hope-tinged anxiety’. As such, in various ways, the works offer a subconscious social commentary on the uncertainty of the times we are all living in. Specifically, what comes to the fore are common concerns and a positive interest with dipping into the past and championing seemingly long-forgotten notions such a thriftyness and a delight in the ordinary everyday detritus of life – in order to counteract the context of a world today brimming with unwanted junk and jumble that has been manufactured for the transitory ‘now’.
Exhibition private view featuring Einstellung – for immediate release
On Thursday 2nd October Einstellung will perform a live set at the Rough Trade East shop on Brick Lane, London at the opening of The Joyful Bewilderment exhibition which is curated by and features the work of a number of Birmingham based artists.
The exhibition features a painting by Birmingham artist Lucy McLauchlan (Beat 13) that will be used as the gatefold sleeve artwork for Einstellung’s album Wings Of Desire to be released on Capsule Recordings.
The Joyful Bewilderment is an international group exhibition showcasing the outpourings of a group of like minded image-makers. This exhibition can be seen as an expression of these artists compulsion to create. Fundamentally, the artists in the show all share an essential motivation to explore the possibilities of enhancing everyday life by making magic from the mundane – which fits right in with Einstellung’s simple repetitive riffing and beats.
Birmingham artists include: RIK COOPER, STEF GRINDLEY, LEE BASFORD, BEN JAVENS, CHRIS KEENAN and LAWRENCE ROPER to name but a few as well as host of other reprobates including FRENCH, RICK MYERS and JAMES JARVIS.
PRIVATE VIEW
Date/Time: Thursday 2nd October from 7pm until 12pm
EINSTELLUNG onstage about 8pm
Exhibition curated by;
Marcus Oakley, Simon Peplow,
Holly Wales, Lawrence Roper &
The Outcrowd Collective.
Exhibition runs until 27th October – tour dates / venues to be announced
Sponsors:
Tuckey Print
GF Smith
Pointer Footwear
Outcrowd Collective
Capsule
Studio 4 – The Framers
Carhartt
Rough Trade