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PREVIEW: NOVA POP! The art of Billy Chainsaw

 

BILLY CHAINSAW’s first solo art show in Brighton – at the BRUSH gallery – sees him take his mixed-media ‘cut up pop art’ to another dimension, in which the dystopian reality of human existence attempts release via flashbacks to the psychedelic ’60s.

ARTIST STATEMENT: “In my early teens I developed an obsession with masks, the movies, magick and author William S. Burroughs. They’re elements that usually feature heavily in my mixed-media ‘cut up pop art’, which also references such diverse sources as cartoon surrealism, tattoos, and Lucha Libre (Mexican masked wrestling). However, for my BRUSH show I am channeling my first great love, American comic books.”

ABOUT BILLY CHAINSAW: He was born and raised in Birmingham. Inspired by the onset of punk, in the late 1970s he escaped factory life and moved to London to work for Siouxsie and The Banshees. On parting company with the group in the mid-90s, Chainsaw became editor-in-chief on one of Paul Raymond’s adult publications (the American version of Club International).

Fast-forward almost two decades to May 2012: now a Hove resident, Chainsaw showed his art publicly for the first time at an underground open house. His entire collection of mixed-media canvases and upcycled, bespoke ceramics completely sold out. It was a life-changing experience for Chainsaw, who immediately decided that art was his true calling.

Subsequently, he has exhibited in numerous group shows in such far-flung locations as Brighton and Los Angeles, and staged three solo show in London. His other achievements include creating a range of merchandise for legendary experimental filmmaker/artist Jeff Keen’s retrospective at the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery; an exclusive fabric design for cutting edge design company Charles of London; art for indie superstars The Fall’s 13 Killers album; and contributions to the book Cut Up! An Anthology Inspired By The Cut Up Method Of William S. Burroughs and Brion Gysin.

Although Chainsaw admits his first great love was American comic-books, since his early teens, the self-taught artist has been fascinated by the unknown (in its myriad forms), along with masks, the movies, and the magical weirdness of the number 23. They’re ever-present elements in his mixed-media pop art, which also reference such diverse sources as cartoon surrealism, tattoos, and Lucha Libre (masked Mexican wrestling). However, Chainsaw’s primary driving force is William S. Burroughs – perpetually employing the beat author/artist’s “open your mind and let the pictures out” adage whenever he’s creating art.


Event: NOVA POP! The art of Billy Chainsaw

Where: Brush Gallery, 84 Gloucester Road, Brighton BN1 4AP

When: March 25 – April 7 (incl’)

Time: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm (closed on Mondays)

Cost: Free entry

For more information, click here:

Manchester Pride to mark IDAHOT Day with 10 peaks challenge

Charity set to fundraise as it takes to The Lake District on May 13.

Manchester Pride will trek across 10 peaks whilst raising funds for the Manchester Pride Community Fund and awareness for International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia (IDAHOT).

IDAHOT, which will take place on Wednesday May 17, is a worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversities.  It was created in 2004 to draw the attention of policymakers, opinion leaders, social movements, the public and the media to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBT+ people internationally.

Mark Fletcher
Mark Fletcher

Mark Fletcher, Chief Executive for Manchester Pride, said: “This is a great opportunity to mark one of the most important days of the LGBT calendar in such a special way.  I look forward to seeing who will rise to the challenge and join us in having fun and raising awareness whilst also raising vital funds for LGBT+ causes in Greater Manchester.”

Manchester Pride will head to the Lake District on Saturday May 13 to take part in a gruelling challenge which will see participants aim to complete a 12 mile walk with a hearty 2000m ascent over 10 peaks! The team will be hoping to complete the challenge in just 12 hours so training will most certainly be necessary!

To take part in the challenge, which will include free accommodation and travel to and from the lakes, entrants must raise a minimum of £250 for the Manchester Pride Community Fund.

For more information and to sign up, click here:

 

Folkestone plans for a Pride in 2017

Plan are at an early stage for a Folkestone (Kent) LGBT+ Pride later this year.


At present, Saturday August 19 has been pencilled in by organisers, but it is possible that an early date in September might be considered so that the event can be part of the Folkestone Arts Triennial running from September 2 – November 5.

At present, organisers are looking at ways to raise funding for the event to happen.

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