Traditional folklore gets a modern makeover in bold, new exhibition
A brand-new exhibition launched at South Square this month exploring two characters from West Riding folklore as they navigate the modern world.
Beenderman and Gytrash by internationally recognised artist Dale Holmes opened at community arts organisation, South Square Centre, in Thornton on 1 August. The exhibition blends folklore, contemporary art, and regional identity, in an immersive exhibition that tells the stories of these unlikely companions.
According to local legend, Gytrash is a ghostly black dog that haunts liminal spaces and Beenderman is a skeletal, ancient figure that preys on the lost and unprepared on the moors between Thornton and Haworth. This exhibition reimagines these shadowy figures through paintings and sculpture, offering a tongue-in-cheek look at their lives as they struggle to find their place in the modern-day.
Artist, Dale Holmes said:
“I want to introduce you to Beenderman and Gytrash. Gytrash was once feared but now finds himself overshadowed by modern “folk-devil” dogs like the X-L Bully. Beenderman used to snatch poor souls from the moors but thanks to the rise of technical outdoor gear even he’s finding it hard to stay relevant. It’s this context that sets the scene for this pair’s adventures.
Working with the team at South Square, I’ve been able to work big and fill the gallery space with bold, immersive works that really tells these characters’ stories. The exhibition also spills beyond the gallery walls into South Square’s outdoor spaces so there really is lots to discover. I look forward to many more people learning about Beenderman and Gytrash throughout the duration of the exhibition and maybe finding out that they are not so scary after all…”
Alongside the unconventional subject matter, Beenderman and Gytrash also had a unique installation process. Unlike traditional gallery shows, the work didn’t arrive as a finished product. Instead, the artist used the exhibition space as part of the creative process – cutting, overlapping, and reworking pieces during the install.
Programme and Gallery Manager at South Square, Domino Panton-Oakley, said:
“Dale’s installation process was a first for me as a Gallery Manager and curator. He intuitively adapts each work as he installs it – even cutting into finished pieces with scissors to find new forms and meanings. It’s dynamic and completely in-the-moment, and the finished product is something really special.
It’s been absolutely fantastic to work with Dale on this exhibition. We wanted to show work that was colourful, playful and a little different – and Beenderman and Gytrash is just that! If you’re interested in learning more about Dale and his work, we’re hosting an artists talk on 12 September from 6pm. We’ll explore the exhibition and hear directly from Dale about his ways of working, his inspirations and his career. Everyone is welcome.”
The Beenderman and Gytrash exhibition is available to view until Sunday 5 October during gallery opening hours.