Two new exhibitions are taking over Touchstones Rochdale’s gallery spaces

Touchstones Rochdale has announced its final two exhibitions to take over the gallery spaces between June and August.

Before the venue closes its doors for redevelopment on 12 August for 18 months, following the funding granted by Art Council England’s National Portfolio announced in November last year, Touchstones will be hosting works from multi-disciplinary artist, Shezad Dawood, and Berlin-born artist, Helene Appel.

Taking over galleries one and two at the venue is 'Leviathan: From the Forest to the Sea', premiering the latest instalment in Dawood’s epic film series Leviathan Cycle.

This is part of a series of exhibitions across the North West, brought together under the title of Hybrid Futures, that will explore and address the urgent focus of climate change.

Hybrid Futures is a collaboration between Touchstones; Castlefield Gallery, Manchester; Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool; University of Salford Art Collection; and Shezad Dawood Studio; and is supported by Arts Council England and Art Fund.

The second exhibition to take over galleries three and four is led by German-born artist and contemporary painter, Helene Appel. 'Among Trees, Among Sand Grains' showcases Helene’s original methods of using paints and different techniques to give the object she creates a physical and three-dimensional presence. The exhibition will focus on her aesthetic depiction of ordinary objects from everyday life.

 

 

Both exhibitions will begin on Saturday 3 June, ending on Saturday 12 August, when the building will temporarily close for redevelopment.
 

Read more: Temporary closure plan for Touchstones Rochdale ahead of redevelopmentPublished: 05 May 2023

Mark Doyle, Head of Arts, Engagement and Heritage at Touchstones Rochdale, said: “We’re delighted to welcome two successful artists into our gallery spaces, both with differing backgrounds but with the same prospect of looking inwardly at how we perceive the world around us.

“While Shezad Dawood’s project challenges our day-to-day reality and urges a change within society, Helene Appel brings an alternative perspective to the most ordinary things in our lives.

“Our two final exhibitions are an excellent way to conclude this era of Touchstones Rochdale - the redevelopment means a big step for our venue, bringing new opportunities for the region, as well as providing the best cultural experience to our communities.”

The 'Leviathan: From the Forest to the Sea' and 'Among Trees, Among Sand Grains' exhibitions will open at Touchstones on Saturday 3 June, and will run to Saturday 12 August.

The Local Studies Centre, housed within Touchstones Rochdale, will close on Saturday 13 May and will re-open at its new location, Sparth Community Centre in the summer.

Touchstones Museum will close on Saturday 3 June, while the rest of the building, including the galleries, will officially close for redevelopment on 12 August for 18 months.

The Local Studies Centre closed on 13 May, with the team moving the archives to a new location of Sparth Community Centre throughout May and June.