About
Rastarella of Cultural Vibrations presents Surface Gallery's inaugural Caribbean Open.
The exhibition will coincide with the Nottingham Caribbean Carnival, taking place across the city on Sunday 17th August. Surface Gallery will provide a platform to celebrate different kinds of creative and cultural expression, bringing the local community together with Caribbean music, art and food.
The Caribbean Open will facilitate dialogue about race, heritage and immigration, and the idea of the Caribbean in our collective cultural consciousness. Mimm Collective are once again showcasing their creative talent, and are kindly donating several original Jamaican artworks for display alongside the other submissions.
The launch party is a free event, happening on Friday 15th August, 6pm until 9pm, at Surface Gallery. Alongside the artworks and occasional prize winner announcement, there will be:
Live music from DJ Kevin Roach of Kemet Radio
BBQ by Uncle Wayne's Jerk Station
Market stall by Royal Natty
Homemade rum punch by Surface Gallery
Seasonal beer on draft by Springhead Brewery
Surface Gallery is also hosting Notts Property 3; Nottingham's largest ever graffiti mural, which will be unveiled at the launch party. Over twenty-five street artists have come together to respond to the Caribbean theme. Some artists have added a tropical twist to their colour palette, while others use popular cultural references including Pirates of the Caribbean, or traditional folk tales like the Anansi stories.
Local illustrator, Street Art Open 2014 winner, and former Team GB Speed Skater Ian Upcott has been commissioned to create a commemorative artwork for the Caribbean Open. The commission has been successfully crowd-funded using Kickstarter, and will be proudly displayed as part of the exhibition.
Le Loovre, Surface Gallery's alternative artspace, will this time house paintings by Nigerian artist and studio resident, Olalekan Falade. This exhibition will run parallel to the Caribbean Open, and is located on the first floor of the building.
There will also be a Caribbean Market taking place at Surface Gallery on Saturday 23rd August. Details of stall holders and drop-in workshops yet to be confirmed.
Free entry, No booking, Everyone welcome, One Love.
Opening Hours:
Launch Party: 6.00pm to 9.00pm, Friday 15th August.
Exhibition: Tuesday to Friday 12.00pm to 6.00pm, Saturday 11.00am to 5.00pm
Address: Surface Gallery, 16 Southwell Road, Nottingham, NG1 1DL
