Flagging up new exhibition

LAST Station: LOCATED: SOUTHPORT is a new exhibition which is coming to The Atkinson on November 11 until December 17.

Last Station, located and dislocated is inspired by the ‘Guiding Lights’ and navigation systems of Trinity House and the importance of marine history and waterways in the UK’s heritage and identity.

The central idea behind the work is to think about how we form connection to ‘place’ and sense of identity – physically, culturally, emotionally and spiritually.

The installation uses the concept of floating navigational aids moored on shifting sandbanks – light vessels and buoys – as a metaphor to explore the states of location and dislocation for individuals and communities.

You are invited to explore this installation of rooms within rooms of sculpture, lights, video and soundscapes, to make your own connections and disconnections.

The work has been developed by artists Elise and Mary over five years and is funded by the Arts Council of England.

Elise and Mary said: “We have been working on the exhibition for The Atkinson all year and are looking forward to installing our artwork in the wonderful Atkinson Gallery.

“They hope as many people as possible will come and see the exhibition and take part in the competition to design a flag for The Atkinson.

“The competition closes on November 15 after which four designs will be chosen by The Atkinson staff, combined into a design by us, and printed as a full scale flag for display.

“The Atkinson has a wonderful collection of flags in its archive from former shipping companies.”

On Tuesday, November 14 at 1pm: A guided tour with the artists Elise and Mary, who have created LOCATED: SOUTHPORT, with a Q&A session, all are welcome.

On Wednesday, November 15, 11 am-3pm: Design and make your own flag with Elise and Mary, perfect for all ages with no experience necessary.

‘LOCATE’: a chance to try out a free innovative phone app to record how your surroundings affect you on an emotion chart and gallery.

Your chart and gallery images can be stored as a personal record or shared with a network of people to create a unique record of how our environments affects us which will be printed as a unique digital artwork available to all.

The exhibition at The Atkinson will be the major showcase of its two year tour with other destinations including Leeds, Hull and Eastbourne.

For more information about the exhibition, please visit www.theatkinson.co.uk or call 01704 533333.

The Galleries are open 10am4pm Monday to Saturday and 11am-3pm Sundays (school holidays only).