Art world stars of the future to showcase their work in a major exhibition at Derby Tram Shed

The Tram shed on St James Street in Derby will be opening its doors to host a vibrant, contemporary art exhibition which will be opened in May for public viewing. From Friday 26^th May until Saturday 3^rd June. The ‘Liminal Motel’ exhibition will present an eclectic display of art ranging from live performance, sculpture, drawing, paintings and video projections.

Featuring the works of Derby University’s second year fine art students, the exhibition explores the young artist’s perceptions and worldly interactions, explains Caroline Locke, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Art at the University of Derby:

By bringing the students directly into the city centre and exhibiting at The Tram shed, we hope to reach a broad audience. This is an experience the students will really value as they learn what it takes to put on a professional show.

Clowes Developments, one of the UK’s largest and strongest privately-owned property development organisations have sympathetically restored the Tram shed which many years ago were used as stables for the old St James Hotel. The 8000 square feet have been restored with a nod to its heritage with the works to date costing £1.3m.

Clowes Developments is fully embracing the project, supporting the students and visitors to the show. Management Surveyor, Gillian Minogue, said:

We are delighted the second-year fine art exhibition is coming to the Tram sheds and we look forward to welcoming all the students and visitors. It is fantastic to have such a progressive and interesting project in the centre of Derby.

Gillian added,

The University is very much part of the wider Derby community and we are always keen at Clowes to encourage and embrace projects such as this and support young talent wherever possible.

Caroline continued,

The Tramshed is part of Derby’s history. It is a brilliant, large, empty space which serves as an ambitious challenge for our students in terms of staging their first public exhibition. With an industrial feel, high ceilings and exposed walls, it is an impressive space for an impressive show. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce young artists to the processes involved in setting up an ambitious exhibition of their work away from the University campus.

Student Bethany Charlton reveals a journey of personal exploration that is curiously self-reflective, as she explores her own estranged relationships through a subtle sculptural language. Using digital technologies, ceramic sculpture, light and animation Daniel Cranage creates experiential works. Mycelium and mushrooms serve as a symbolic motif as he considers the life force behind all living things. Gabrielle Distin creates brightly coloured soft sculptures of the everyday objects that we surround ourselves with to create a home. Her impressive large- scale work ‘Baan-Bayt-Home’ is inspired by life as an expatriate living on three different continents and the return to ‘home’. These are just three of the many varied works exhibited. ‘Liminal Motel’ merges visual aesthetics and conversations which are, at times humorous, relatable and thought provoking. The event will open at 17:30 with complimentary drinks.

Exhibition Launch: 26^th May 5:30 – 7:30 pm 

Exhibition Opening Dates and Times:  27^th and 28^th May (12.00 – 16.00)  and 1^st  2^nd 3^rd June (14.00 – 16.00)

All enquiries please contact Caroline Locke: [email protected] or Bethany Charlton: [email protected]

Find out more about the exhibition via Instagram: liminal_motel