Art / News

Arnolfini announce details of post-lockdown exhibitions

By Martin Booth  Thursday May 7, 2020

The dual themes of family and friends are part of major exhibitions taking place at the Arnolfini after lockdown is over.

Bosses at the art gallery hope to make a return to its heritage of exhibiting pioneering artists – starting with Chantal Joffe and Hassan Hajjaj – following unsteady recent times.

In 2017, the gallery lost its Arts Council England funding (which was later reinstated), it has had a number of changes of leadership and is now an independent charity that forms part of UWE Bristol.

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Joffe is recognised as one of the UKs foremost painters. Her exhibition at the Arnolfini will include both new and existing works, including a recent series of self-portraits produced one a day over the course of a year.

Rider, photograph by © Hassan Hajjaj, courtesy of the artist and Vigo Gallery

Meanwhile, acclaimed Moroccan-British photographer Hajjaj promises an exploration of global culture across continents in his series, The Path, which draws its inspiration from the album of the same name by Ralph MacDonald.

Arnolfini executive director, Gary Topp, said: “Chantal and Hassan’s shows are a wonderful way to look forward to reopening Arnolfini’s galleries; accessible, challenging and vibrant work from two artists at the forefront of contemporary practice.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone safely back into Bristol’s centre for international contemporary arts.”

Main image: Poppy, Esme, Oleanna, Gracie and Kate, Chantal Joffe, 2014 My Rockstars series: oil on canvas © Chantal Joffe courtesy the artist and Victoria Miro

Read more: New Arts Council investment for Arnolfini

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