#The Whitworth Art Gallery

[garadinervi]

From: Ibrahim Mahama: ‘Parliament of Ghosts’, The Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester, July 5 – September 29, 2019 [White Cube, New York, NY. © Ibrahim Mahama]

[sarahjennings]

Open House exhibition at the Whitworth Gallery Manchester. Showcasing the archive of wallpapers, which the Whitworth began collecting in 1967, they now have a collection of over 10,000 samples.

There are samples from so many different decades and designs, which also feature family photographs from all times and backgrounds. When I saw the family photos I instantly thought about my project about my own memories, with all the albums and objects on display.

There was a huge sense of community within the space, with the collaborations of the collections. With the space itself becoming someones home.

There were lots of nostalgic themes throughout the exhibition, as if it were a time capsule. Even though I didn't live through the eras primarily shown in the exhibition, there was an overwhelming sense of familiarity, which is something I want my own work to show.

Visited on 15th November 2022

[motherlanguageday]

Participate to the Exhibit entitled ''Material Power: Palestinian Embroidery".

EMBROIDERY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CULTURAL MATERIAL OF PALESTINE. THIS ANCIENT PRACTICE, CALLED TATREEZ IN ARABIC, IS CHARACTERISED BY REMARKABLE BEAUTY AND COMPLEXITY.

Historically, each area of Palestine was known for different motifs, techniques and textiles. Embroidery constituted a visual language among rural women, and their clothing reflected their origins and identity.

Material Power charts the evolution of embroidery in Palestine over the past century: from rich village tradition, transformed by modernity, to its politicisation in the 1970s and commodification in the present. Over the last 75 years, embroidery has become a powerful symbol of resistance, and the embodiment of resilience on personal and national scales.

On display in the UK for the first time in over 30 years, historical dresses sit alongside the voices of women who continue to embroider today, and the work of contemporary artists critically reinterpreting the practice. Material Power seeks to unfold an intimate, human history of Palestine through clothing.

Material Power: Palestinian Embroidery was organised by The Whitworth, The University of Manchester in collaboration with Kettle’s Yard where it travelled from 8 July – 29 October 2023.

MATERIAL POWER: PALESTINIAN EMBROIDERY

DATE: 21 February - 7 April 2024

TIME: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

PRICE: Free

VENUE: Whitworth Art Gallery; Oxford Rd, Manchester, M15 6ER

BOOK: Book via website

WEBSITE: www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk

THEME: Activism; Crafts; Exhibition; Languages.

ORGANISER: The Whitworth Art Gallery

BOOK TICKETS

[ukdamo]

Today's Flickr photo(s) with the most hits: the Feminist Greenhouse, Whitworth Gallery, Manchester

[daisyswift3]

The first thing I thought when I saw this insta pic Karlie posted was “hey those kinda look like electric chairs” but I didn’t think they actually were electric chairs like WHAT 😵‍💫 the descriptions for the electric chair by Andy Warhol are quite sth. The fact that it’s in bright colors despite symbolizing death. Plus there are 2 ✌️ pics in this post that are in black and white.

[reallyhardy]

PLAYTIME!

weird kind of a post but i just wanted to be nerdy about and highlight my summer position - while i'm a digital picture-draw-er most of the time and a bag sewist some of the time, for one little chunk of the year i'm a play facilitator at the whitworth art gallery and every august (where possible) - i'm not interested in having my own children but i love working with them and taking part in something enriching and educational and awesome. sooooo

since 2018 there's been a creative play session on for families every summer holiday. the first one ever was 'the sandpit one' where the learning engagement team turned our learning studio into this bigass sandpit - can be seen in the below video from 0:17 - 0:25:

and it was the beginning of a real shift in the gallery from like... 'make and take' arts and crafts and into creative play sessions (i joined as a volunteer juuust after the sandpit one so we always talk about it but i wasn't actually there for it.)

the next year instead of sand we did water - i was there for this one but i only facilitated a couple days of it. great fun we used a lot of the same things (beakers, sieves, ladles) to play, just in water instead of sand.

i wasn't involved in 'PLAYTIME AT HOME' during covid lockdowns but the theme was mud and i believe the learning engagement team set out ideas for how to play with the mud using stuff most people have at home:

and then another during 2021, this one's good it features annabel one of the artists here who is so much fun, i think she's the coolest. here she and lucy (the learning engagement co-ordinator) explain how it went down:

when we made it 2022 that's when i really came ON BOARD in a big way, and i got to be a play facilitator every day that we were on in something called our scrap studio - we had heaps of stuff from a place called the 'scrap centre' in leeds that rescues packaging material from manufacturing companies - and we had it all to built with and put together and play around in and it was SO much fun. my job all of last august was just to hang around and watch fun happen and it was just so, so mega. mega fun.

(for whatever reason they don't have the 2022 summer video on youtube booo but i do have a twitter link here)

and then THIS summer we're trying to link it up to the 'economics the blockbuster' exhibition currently on inside the gallery so we've got play markets and play 'currency'

and we're having kids make concoctions with our mud kitchens and it's been very cute and fun seeing them 'selling' them to their parents. and to me. it's just been a blast. i hope to just keep doing it forever. also i've been taking pics for my outfit every time and they all include this grey apron 🤣 but it's important it signifies that i'm in charge

[zurich-snows]

Broken Sky 2000 by Jonathan Callan b. 1961. Print on paper, metal pins. Photograph: Whitworth Art Gallery, University of Manchester/guardian.co.uk

[asleepmottley]

This wallpaper (usually held in the Museum of Modern Art) seems to currently be on loan to the Whitworth Gallery here in Manchester.

I saw it and took pictures, as it's part of my art course.

But I thought it looked familiar, though I'd never seen it before. And this is why:

Rage against the machine seemed to use it as inspiration for the cover of their album Renegades (a cover album).

[reallyhardydraws]

sorry for the lack of drawings recently! i've been doing a lil three-day stint running arts and crafts at my beloved whitworth art gallery in collaboration with local charity afrocats - there's pictures on my instagram ( http://instagram.com/reallyhardy ) if you want to see all the wonderful creations all the visitors made!!!

[totallyhussein-blog]

The power of a pattern. What design can teach us about culture

Material Power: Palestinian Embroidery, will explore the historical life and contemporary significance of the Palestinian embroidered dress.

Although an ancient craft, embroidery remains the paradigmatic cultural material of Palestine today and its most prominent living tradition.

This exhibition will be held Friday 24 November 2023 – 7th April 2024 at the Whitworth Art Gallery, Oxford Road, Manchester.

Apparently, the Palestinian dress differs from one region to another and according to the occasion on which the dress is worn. In the north where wheat is grown, ears of corn were the most important characteristic of the dresses.

In Hebron and Bethlehem, the trend was grape drawings. The color and inscriptions of the dresses differed depending on the occasion. At weddings, dresses differed from casual, everyday ones. Widows wore different dresses as well.

In 2022, Maha el-Saca, a researcher at the Palestinian Heritage Center, explained to Al-Monitor that Palestinians also recognize the cities or villages of women from their dresses.

"The Jaffa dress is embroidered in the form of oranges and the cypress trees that surrounded it, while the Canaanite dress in Jericho had geometric drawings."

According to Marwan Abu Khalaf, a researcher of Palestinian heritage at Inaash Al-Usra Association, Palestinian embroidery was implicitly known to be Palestinian and incorporates "decorations and drawings dating back to the Canaanite era 3,000 years ago."

[garadinervi]

From: Ibrahim Mahama: 'Parliament of Ghosts', The Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester, July 5 – September 29, 2019 [White Cube, New York, NY. © Ibrahim Mahama]

[sarahjennings]

Possible design layouts for the upcoming degree show.

There are two options, one with a vintage, retro wallpaper inspired by the 'Open House' exhibition from the Whitworth Art Gallery. I think if I were to use the wallpaper the paintings would have to be framed with thick black frames, like the photographs are in the Whitworth exhibition, so that the paintings would not be lost in the busy backdrop. The wallpaper would be more appropriate if there was a larger collection of paintings being shown.

I think the blank background would be a better choice, just as it related more to the photo album theme I am trying to achieve. I also want to have the paintings in pairs around the exhibition, so the white walls would be better to look like the loose pages from a family album. It would also be difficult to have stripes of wallpaper around the rooms.

I want to now begin to choose the final paintings I will include in the Degree show and how they will be arranged.

[9sr3lii]

Indoor Gossip Cairo, 1873, by John Frederick Lewis Pencil, watercolor, bodycolor and gum Arabic on paper, 30.5 x 20.3 cm, Current location: The Whitworth Art Gallery, University of Manchester, UK.

[mysticwizardglitter]

Exploring the Best of Europe: Must-Visit Places in London and Manchester

Europe is a treasure trove of history, culture, and adventure, with cities that captivate the imagination and invite exploration. Let's embark on a journey to explore the best places to visit in London and discover the unique charm of places to visit in Manchester. Among its many jewels, London and Manchester stand out as vibrant destinations, each offering a unique blend of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences.

Buckingham Palace

A trip to London wouldn't be complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace, the residence of the British monarch. Witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony is a quintessential London experience, offering a glimpse into the city's rich traditions.

The Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Next, head to the Tower of London, a historic fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. Here, you can marvel at the Crown Jewels and learn about the tower's fascinating history. Just a short walk away is the iconic Tower Bridge, an architectural marvel that offers stunning views of the Thames River and the cityscape.

The British Museum and Tate Modern

For culture enthusiasts, London's museums are a must-visit. The British Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from around the world, while the Tate Modern showcases contemporary art in a stunning riverside location. Both museums offer free admission, making them accessible to all.

West End Theatres

London's West End is renowned for its world-class theatre productions. Catching a show in one of the historic theatres, such as the Royal Opera House or the Lyceum Theatre, is an unforgettable experience. From timeless classics to modern hits, there's a show for every taste.

Exploring Manchester: A City of Innovation and Culture

Manchester, often dubbed the "Capital of the North," is a city that has reinvented itself from an industrial powerhouse to a vibrant cultural hub. Known for its music scene, sporting heritage, and innovative spirit, Manchester is a city that pulses with energy.

The John Rylands Library

Begin your Manchester adventure at the John Rylands Library, a neo-Gothic masterpiece that houses a vast collection of rare books and manuscripts. The stunning architecture and serene atmosphere make it a perfect spot for literary enthusiasts.

Manchester Art Gallery and The Whitworth

Art lovers will appreciate Manchester's thriving arts scene. The Manchester Art Gallery boasts an impressive collection of artworks spanning centuries, while The Whitworth, located in Whitworth Park, combines art with nature, offering a unique cultural experience.

Science and Industry Museum

Manchester's history as an industrial city is well documented at the Science and Industry Museum. Here, you can explore the city's contributions to science, technology, and industry, with interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages.

Manchester Cathedral and Castlefield

For a taste of Manchester's heritage, visit the Manchester Cathedral, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. Nearby, Castlefield offers a glimpse into the city's Roman roots, with well-preserved ruins and picturesque canals.

Conclusion

London and Manchester, two of Europe's most dynamic cities, offer a wealth of experiences for travelers. From historic landmarks and cultural institutions to hidden gems and culinary delights, these cities showcase the best of what Europe has to offer. Whether you're exploring the grandeur of London or the innovation of Manchester, you're sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, set your itinerary, and get ready to explore the best of Europe!

[ukdamo]

Today’s Flickr photo with the most hits: 

Cold, Dark Matter - Exploded View - by Cornelia Parker.

At the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester.