GARTH GRATRIX: FLAMBOYANT FLAMINGOS
FEAT. Derek Jarman and Felix Gonzalez-Torres
6th July – 7th September 2024
A riot of colour and queer expression is unleashed this summer as ‘Flamboyant Flamingos’ gather at Grundy Art Gallery in Blackpool.
This summer, Grundy Art Gallery proudly presents a major exhibition of newly commissioned work by the acclaimed, Blackpool-based artist, Garth Gratrix (b. 1984). Flamboyant Flamingos is Gratrix’s largest and most prestigious exhibition to date. It is also the first time in recent history that a Blackpool born and Blackpool based artist has been invited to exhibit in Grundy’s much coveted summer season slot.
Alongside Gratrix’s body of new work, Gratrix and the Grundy have also worked together to bring the work of world-renowned artists Derek Jarman (1942-1994), and Felix Gonzalez-Torres (1957-1996) to the gallery.
Gratrix is a key figure in contemporary art’s exploration of nuanced queer expression. As a queer artist, Gratrix uses a playful and investigative approach to colour, language and materials weaving personal narratives into vibrant playful forms. In this new body of work, Gratrix continues his exploration of how codes can communicate hidden as well as universally understood messages and how the site of the exhibition can offer a space for contemplation and kinship. In a further act of playfulness, ‘Flamboyant Flamingos’ also sees the artist interacting with the space of the gallery itself, generating an immersive ‘resort-like’ atmosphere using neon and glowing coastal hues.
The presentation of work by Derek Jarman and Felix Gonzalez-Torres creates a conversation across time. Chosen for their pioneering approaches to art-making, and the deep influence that their work has had, these artists are also recognised for their important contribution to the history of art made by artists with queer lived experience.
Released four months prior to Jarman’s death from AIDS related complications, Blue (1993),is the artist’s final feature film. Set against a static blue background, the work takes the form of an audio-visual poem where spoken words, music and sounds combine to create an uncompromising and deeply moving meditation on the artist’s life, loves and impending death. Blue is generously on loan from Basilisk Communications Ltd. Grundy’s presentation of the work represents the first time it has been exhibited in Lancashire. Intended for Audiences Aged 15+
The work of Felix Gonzalez-Torres is celebrated for its minimalist visual vocabulary and its evocative use of everyday objects to explore profound themes of love, loss, temporality, and perpetual renewal. “Untitled” (Last Light),1993, is part of the artist’s series of ‘light-string’ works which are made using commonplace electrical components, including the humble lightbulb. Wilfully simple in appearance, this work, offers the viewer a puzzle to solve and a story to complete. This work is on loan from a Private Collection, c/o The Felix Gonzalez-Torres Foundation and is the first time that it has been shown in Lancashire. Thanks to David Zwirner, London and Andrea Rosen Gallery, New York.
Garth Gratrix (b.1984) lives and works in Blackpool, UK.
Previous solo exhibitions include; Cheeky Felicia, Woodend Gallery, Scarborough Museum Trust, Scarborough, UK. Curated by Joel Hague (2023/24); Shy Girl, Rotunda Gallery, Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool, UK. Curated by Paulette Brien (2020) and Pursuit of Happiness, Prosjektrom Normanns, Stavanger, Norway. Curated by Elin Melberg & Margarette Aanestad (2019).
Gratrix has also produced work in/for How do you make a Queer ritual?, in collaboration with Jez Dolan, Peter Scott Gallery, Lancaster, UK (2024) and in the group exhibitions Ledge, Spike Island, Bristol, UK. Curated by Will Hughes & Natasha MacVoy (2024); New Things, Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool, UK (2023); PIVOT, Castlefield Gallery, Manchester, UK. Curated by Gass Pendergast (2023); Stunning, Fierce & Yellow (Vol 1 & 2), Gallery North, Northumbria University, Newcastle & Auxilliary Middlesbrough, UK. Curated by Will Hughes (2022/23); Comrades They Were Brave, We Salute You, 44 GRS Gallery, London, UK. Curated by Cecilia Sjoholm (2022); and Queer Contemporaries, AIR Gallery, Greater Manchester, UK. Curated by Short Supply (2022).
Gratrix has curated the exhibitions Wink Wink, Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery, Lancashire, UK (2024); New Beginnings, National Assembly, Seoul, South Korea (2019) and serves as the curator for UK New Artist of the Year Art Prize, Saatchi Gallery, London from 2019 to present.
In 2023 Gratrix was awarded the Clore Visual Artist Fellow, part of the Clore 18 Leadership Programme delivered by the Clore Duffield Foundation and supported by A-N. In 2020/21 Gratrix was awarded a place on the PIVOT Artist Programme, delivered jointly by The Bluecoat & Castlefield Gallery, UK.
In 2023, Gratrix was a resident artist at Towner Gallery, Eastbourne, UK.