Friday 12th April – Sunday 2nd June

Paul Stockley
Spirits of the Wild

In this exhibition Paul Stockley explores the human race’s complex and often destructive relationship with wild animals; it speaks about our care but also of our disregard for our fellow creatures.

His sculptures exude an aura of calm, beauty and serenity but at the same time there is often a sadness in the faces which reflects a tenuous existence and which resonates with an uncertain future.

Spirits of the wild will be exhibited in the beautiful outdoors of South Square Garden plus the Court Yard.

This exhibition is Paul’s first solo gallery exhibition and follows on from a successful joint exhibition in Sheffield in November 2023. For the past three years he has had annual exhibitions in his garden studio as part of ‘Open Up Sheffield’ and will be taking part again in May 2024.

Paul enjoys exploring the huge potential of concrete as a sculptural medium and experiments with the huge versatility that it offers. He particularly enjoys carving and, because he is using concrete, he has to work fast before it sets, something that encourages spontaneity and a bold approach in the initial stages. He doesn’t always know what he is going to carve before he starts and he makes abstract, impressionistic and also realistic forms such as animal heads.

He is interested in the psychological and philosophical process of creating art and the potential that it has to enable self- expression and to represent the hidden inner workings of the mind.

As well as carving he creates sculptures over armature which enables him to make larger more complex forms and his garden is full of larger pieces he has made, most of which are too big to be moved for display in this exhibition.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pablosculpture/

Instagram: @paulsculpt

X: @bradwaystockley

Website: pablostockley.wixsite.com/website

Plenty Café, at the South Square Centre, Thornton Bradford

Exhibtion opening : Friday 12th April, 5pm – 8pm
Friday 12 April – Sunday 2 June 2024

The work in this show is a reflection of my love of the dales, moors and coasts of Yorkshire. I aim to show my response to the landscape by looking for its essence, not focusing on specific details.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it.

‘Student’s Showcase’ by Bradford School of Art

Opening : Fri 12th April | 5 – 8 | South Square
Running : 12th April – 2nd Jun

We are excited to have a showcase exhibition by Bradford School of Art level 5 students. Come down and view an incredible collection and variety of art by the talented student’s.

Join us for the opening on Fri 12th April , including the opening of 3 new exhibitions and live music!

Equivocal Landscape by John Murphy
Friday 3rd May – Sun 26th May
Exhibition opening Fri 10 May | 5pm – 8pm | Unit 9 Gallery | South Square

The work in this exhibition reflects John’s interest in using pattern to create abstraction of the landscape. It charts the development of his recent work from identifiably landscape-based paintings to a more ambiguous and darker imagery using acrylic monotypes.

Artist Statement

This exhibition contains works I have made in the last year.

It started with an interest in looking at ways to abstract the landscape, in particular by using pattern. The watercolour pieces are clearly based on particular places and use a variety of pattern making techniques in an attempt to reassess how we look at the landscape.

In the days of Instagram, it is impossible to work in a void, and to some extent the patterns come from watching makers on social media creating simple patterns as meditative work. I wondered if there was a way to take this and use it in a representational context. This is the result.

The development of the later pieces came from exploring different monotype techniques. These are less literally landscape, but look at the colour and texture of the environment (both real and fictional) for inspiration. Using geometric themes, with natural textural elements allows me to explore the opportunities and strictures of the print medium without focussing on a truly representational outcome.

Friday 12th April – Sunday 2nd June

Paul Stockley
Spirits of the Wild

In this exhibition Paul Stockley explores the human race’s complex and often destructive relationship with wild animals; it speaks about our care but also of our disregard for our fellow creatures.

His sculptures exude an aura of calm, beauty and serenity but at the same time there is often a sadness in the faces which reflects a tenuous existence and which resonates with an uncertain future.

Spirits of the wild will be exhibited in the beautiful outdoors of South Square Garden plus the Court Yard.

This exhibition is Paul’s first solo gallery exhibition and follows on from a successful joint exhibition in Sheffield in November 2023. For the past three years he has had annual exhibitions in his garden studio as part of ‘Open Up Sheffield’ and will be taking part again in May 2024.

Paul enjoys exploring the huge potential of concrete as a sculptural medium and experiments with the huge versatility that it offers. He particularly enjoys carving and, because he is using concrete, he has to work fast before it sets, something that encourages spontaneity and a bold approach in the initial stages. He doesn’t always know what he is going to carve before he starts and he makes abstract, impressionistic and also realistic forms such as animal heads.

He is interested in the psychological and philosophical process of creating art and the potential that it has to enable self- expression and to represent the hidden inner workings of the mind.

As well as carving he creates sculptures over armature which enables him to make larger more complex forms and his garden is full of larger pieces he has made, most of which are too big to be moved for display in this exhibition.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pablosculpture/

Instagram: @paulsculpt

X: @bradwaystockley

Website: pablostockley.wixsite.com/website

Plenty Café, at the South Square Centre, Thornton Bradford

Exhibtion opening : Friday 12th April, 5pm – 8pm
Friday 12 April – Sunday 2 June 2024

The work in this show is a reflection of my love of the dales, moors and coasts of Yorkshire. I aim to show my response to the landscape by looking for its essence, not focusing on specific details.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it.

‘Student’s Showcase’ by Bradford School of Art

Opening : Fri 12th April | 5 – 8 | South Square
Running : 12th April – 2nd Jun

We are excited to have a showcase exhibition by Bradford School of Art level 5 students. Come down and view an incredible collection and variety of art by the talented student’s.

Join us for the opening on Fri 12th April , including the opening of 3 new exhibitions and live music!

Opening : Fri 7th June | 5 – 8 | South Square
Running : 7th June – 28th July

Artist Statement

This exhibition invites you to explore the rich tapestry of my artistic journey, reflecting the diverse landscapes and inspirations that have shaped my creative expression. From the captivating vistas of Yorkshire to the tranquil shores of coastal scenes, and the rugged beauty of the Moors, canals, harbours, and sea. Specific elements have captured my imagination and I have tried to capture its beauty in a unique and authentic way.

Through a dynamic interplay of colour, texture, numerous collage layers, mixed media, and acrylic mediums, I endeavour to convey the essence of my emotional response to these subjects and surroundings. Each piece on display offers a unique perspective, inviting the viewer to embark on a journey of intrigue, curiosity, and aesthetic pleasure.

My passion for art traces back to childhood, where the joy of creating was definitely a part of who I am. Pursuing this passion, I did art as a subject at school followed by a diploma in graphic art and design at the Cape Town Technical College in South Africa. I believe the influence of South Africa, a colourful nation, ignited my love of colour in my work.

Subsequently, a profound interest in the therapeutic potential of art led me to undertake a foundation course in art therapy at Hertfordshire University. For me, creating art is not only a form of expression but also a means of escapism—a space where imagination knows no bounds.

While painting has been a lifelong pursuit, on a part time basis,  I have exhibited at numerous venues in the UK as well as belonging to a number art societies and received a few awards for my art works.

Opening : Fri 7th June | 5 – 8 | South Square
Running : 7th June – 28th July

Come and explore the beauty of the West Yorkshire landscapes and landmarks through a series of prints & paintings from local artists. As a popular pitstop and gateway to the South Pennines, take a step outside and enjoy the new summer air. This exhibition celebrates natural heritage, local historic landmarks and enjoying wildlife wherever you are.

Exhibiting artists:
Sarah Harris
Paul Kelly
Gemma Bailey
Ellie Way
Anji Timlin 

PLUS – Look out for the South Square shop stock revamp of new books and merchandise, based on the theme of local places to visit and getting out and about!

Opening : Fri 7th June | 5 – 8 | South Square
Running : 7th June – 28th July

Artist Statement

This exhibition invites you to explore the rich tapestry of my artistic journey, reflecting the diverse landscapes and inspirations that have shaped my creative expression. From the captivating vistas of Yorkshire to the tranquil shores of coastal scenes, and the rugged beauty of the Moors, canals, harbours, and sea. Specific elements have captured my imagination and I have tried to capture its beauty in a unique and authentic way.

Through a dynamic interplay of colour, texture, numerous collage layers, mixed media, and acrylic mediums, I endeavour to convey the essence of my emotional response to these subjects and surroundings. Each piece on display offers a unique perspective, inviting the viewer to embark on a journey of intrigue, curiosity, and aesthetic pleasure.

My passion for art traces back to childhood, where the joy of creating was definitely a part of who I am. Pursuing this passion, I did art as a subject at school followed by a diploma in graphic art and design at the Cape Town Technical College in South Africa. I believe the influence of South Africa, a colourful nation, ignited my love of colour in my work.

Subsequently, a profound interest in the therapeutic potential of art led me to undertake a foundation course in art therapy at Hertfordshire University. For me, creating art is not only a form of expression but also a means of escapism—a space where imagination knows no bounds.

While painting has been a lifelong pursuit, on a part time basis,  I have exhibited at numerous venues in the UK as well as belonging to a number art societies and received a few awards for my art works.

Opening : Fri 7th June | 5 – 8 | South Square
Running : 7th June – 28th July

Come and explore the beauty of the West Yorkshire landscapes and landmarks through a series of prints & paintings from local artists. As a popular pitstop and gateway to the South Pennines, take a step outside and enjoy the new summer air. This exhibition celebrates natural heritage, local historic landmarks and enjoying wildlife wherever you are.

Exhibiting artists:
Sarah Harris
Paul Kelly
Gemma Bailey
Ellie Way
Anji Timlin 

PLUS – Look out for the South Square shop stock revamp of new books and merchandise, based on the theme of local places to visit and getting out and about!

Opening : Fri 2 August | 5 – 8 | South Square
Running : 2nd August – 29 Sep

Our Joan Day bursary has been awareded to Alex Anughe.

South Square is delighted to announce that our Joan Day Bursary has been awarded to Alex Anaughe. We’re so excited to work with Alex to produce her first solo exhibition which will be opening on 2nd August 2024!!

Alex is a Bradford based artist with a Greek-Nigerian heritage, that explores black culture and her own identity within her paintings. She paints featureless portraits that often make cultural references to music, symbols and social narratives that draw upon her unique background. Alex predominantly uses oil and acrylic paints to play with bold colours and texture, which bring her works to life. 

A huge thank you to our amazing panel, Nancy Steadman, Razwan Ul-Haq and Patrick Whitehead Apothecary Gallery.

The Joan Day Bursary was founded in 2006 in memory of Joan Day. Joan was a highly skilled painter who lived and worked in the West Yorkshire region for much of her life. This annual bursary is awarded to an emerging artist who shows an enthusiasm for working in paint.

Instagram
@alxanogart

Opening : Fri 2 August | 5 – 8 | South Square
Running : 2nd August – 29 Sep

Our Joan Day bursary has been awareded to Alex Anughe.

South Square is delighted to announce that our Joan Day Bursary has been awarded to Alex Anaughe. We’re so excited to work with Alex to produce her first solo exhibition which will be opening on 2nd August 2024!!

Alex is a Bradford based artist with a Greek-Nigerian heritage, that explores black culture and her own identity within her paintings. She paints featureless portraits that often make cultural references to music, symbols and social narratives that draw upon her unique background. Alex predominantly uses oil and acrylic paints to play with bold colours and texture, which bring her works to life. 

A huge thank you to our amazing panel, Nancy Steadman, Razwan Ul-Haq and Patrick Whitehead Apothecary Gallery.

The Joan Day Bursary was founded in 2006 in memory of Joan Day. Joan was a highly skilled painter who lived and worked in the West Yorkshire region for much of her life. This annual bursary is awarded to an emerging artist who shows an enthusiasm for working in paint.

Instagram
@alxanogart