Surface Tension

About

SURFACE TENSION is an innovative community arts project aiming to connect creativity across Portsmouth. 

Aspex, in partnership with Strong Island, the University of Portsmouth and Victorious Festival, have commissioned three artists to generate new artwork, supported by creative industries students from the University. 

These artworks will be located at Victorious Festival in Summer 2017, inspired by and made using recycled materials. A trail map will direct visitors to each artwork and will promote interaction either physically, through encouraging participation in an arts activity, or digitally by uploading photographs and comments to social media. 

In September 2017 the work will return to Aspex where it will be showcased in a final exhibition, a venue recognised internationally for showcasing the best of contemporary visual arts.

The artworks will respond to the themes of recycling, repurposing and the natural environment, inspired by Aspex’s current exhibition everything comes from the egg, which comprises of reused and repurposed work made by artist Stephen Turner whilst living in a wooden egg-shaped vessel for one year.

The commissioned artists are: Paul Gonella and Tristan Savage (Strong Island); Rainatu Habib (University of Portsmouth, Illustration Graduate) - who will act as Aspex's artist-in-residence for the August period; Megan Humphries - who will create a community artwork, engaging the people of Portsmouth through participatory workshops in the lead up to the Festival. 

Artist Megan Humphries said: 

“I am delighted to be part of SURFACE TENSION, working alongside the local community - children and families to produce an artwork in response to a very pertinent theme. I can’t wait to see the final outcomes!”. 

SURFACE TENSION also see’s the professional development of six creative industries students from the University of Portsmouth.

Faculty Promotions Manager of the Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries, Denise Callender said: 

“This is a really exciting opportunity for our students to work directly with the commissioned artists and to be involved in making work that responds to a sustainability theme.  Students that have taken part in previous collaborative projects with Aspex have all gained valuable professional experience that has led to creative industries employment locally and further afield”.

The project is kindly supported by the Centric Group, Gibson Whitter, Gunwharf Quays and the Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries at the University of Portsmouth.

You can stay up-to-date with the project by using the hashtag #SurfaceTensionUK on social media or by following @aspex_takepart on Twitter and Instagram.

Get involved!

From 2 August a number of events will be hosted in association with SURFACE TENSION.

2 August - 24 August

Aspex Artist-in-Residence: Rainatu Habib

Habib will be creating her artwork for SURFACE TENSION in Aspex’s Artist’s Studio throughout August. Pop in and say hello!

17 August, 6 - 8pm

#ThirdThursdays Artist Talk: Strong Island

Commissioned artists Strong Island will be discussing their creative and professional practices. Tickets are just £3.00.

17 August

Holiday Art Club: Plants & Paper

For ages 11 - 15 years

Led by artist Rainatu Habib, who specialises in creating unique paper flowers. Artworks constructed in this workshop will be made from recycled materials, paying homage to Portsmouth's green spaces. 

20 August (1 - 3pm)

EVOLVE Workshop

Megan Humphries will lead a free nature and recycling inspired arts workshop for young adults (aged 15 and older) with special educational needs and disabilities. 

24 August

Holiday Art Club: Festival Fever

For ages 8 - 12 years.

The artwork created in this workshop will be taken offsite to Victorious Festival, to be seen by close-to 120,000 people. Following this, it will return for an exhibition at Aspex. Those involved will be invited back for a special celebration event in September.

Every Saturday, 11am - 1pm

Family Saturdays

These free drop-in workshops are the perfect opportunity for children and their parents to get creative - and it’s completely free! August’s activities are inspired by themes of recycling and repurposing.

Every Wednesday (1 - 4pm) & Sunday (11am - 4pm)

Megan Humphries: Artwork production in progress

Artist Megan Humphries will be constructing her #SURFACETENSIONUK artwork in Aspex’s Learning Space, revealing her creative process. 

For further information, or to book please visit: aspex.org.uk