Tate Liverpool teams up with local print artists for displays at Metquarter

Tate Liverpool are working with local print artists from Liverpool Community Print Station, Prints ‘n Tha’ and Comic Youth CIC to bring pop-up displays and workshops to Metquarter.

Local print studio Liverpool Community Print Station CIC and print and artist collective Prints ‘n Tha’ will host a week-long pop-up creative space at a shop in Metquarter. Expect printed posters, zines and more all created by this local print studio and artist collective including a selection of wrestling themed artworks featuring artwork by artist and LCPS founder Rhonda Davies and photographer Tony Knox, who has been documenting Liverpool’s pro-wrestling scene for a number of years.

Tate Liverpool has also invited a group of young people aged 18-22 from Comics Youth, an organisation that aims to empower young people in the region to flourish by harnessing their own narratives, to work closely with LCPS and Prints ‘n Tha’ to develop their skills and present work in Metquarter in their own display.

Harnessing the young people’s love of wrestling, they were challenged to explore themes of storytelling, artifice and reality. Following a series of skills workshops the artworks on display at Metquarter from the young people reference classic Greek statues and Urns, some larger-than-life wrestling characters, installation of a defeated wrestling Bluebottle, print work reflecting on wrestling as ‘an excuse to hold’ and an artist’s book telling the tale of the ultimate scouse bird scrap.

There will be opportunity to see this display of artwork as well as a series of events hosted by LCPS and Prints ‘n Tha’, celebrating small press, zine and print culture in Liverpool.

The pop-up creative space will be open from 12.00 – 16.00 on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October while visitors will be able to enjoy the displays of artworks during the week before the final weekend festivities.

On Saturday 18 October LCPS will bring their popular Zine and Print Fair from Metal at Edge Hill Station for a one-off edition at Metquarter from 11.00 – 16.00, bringing zine and printmakers from across the region together to buy and sell their works. On Sunday 19th October the artists will be hosting a collage club drop-in creative workshop and People vs TV will also be joining LCPS in the space sharing an exciting programme of wrestling themed film from 12.00 – 17.00 to round out the celebrations.

While Tate Liverpool is being redeveloped, the gallery is working with community organisations across the city region. This project is one way Tate is providing alternative opportunities for the public to engage with art, outside of a traditional gallery environment, and supporting creative learning for young people.

Phil McClure, Assistant Curator, Learning, Tate Liverpool, said:

“At Tate we believe that art can be uplifting and life enhancing. Working with these brilliant young creatives over the last few weeks has, once again, proved that to be the case. Comics Youth deliver incredible work with young creatives across the region so we are incredibly pleased to have the opportunity to work with them to bring this exhibition to Metquarter. These young artists have really flexed their creative muscles to create a show on the theme of wrestling that is full of energy, humour and huge amounts of artistic talent.”

Jowann Mohammed, Prints n’ Tha, said:

“We’re really pleased to be able to showcase the work of some of the underrepresented artist Liverpool Community Print Station (LCPS), Prints ‘n Tha’ have worked with over the past few years as well the young artists from comics youth. We’re happy to see Liverpool’s zine community growing daily and we’re very excited to be able to invite new stall holders from across Merseyside, the North and Wales.”

Morgan Machray, said:

“The sessions leading up to this event have such a joy to take part in. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside such lovely, unique and talented individuals of whom I’ve enjoying making friends with along the way.”

Fleur Fradgley, said:

“I’ve had such an amazing time over four super fun sessions with everybody, as we worked together, explored new techniques and brainstormed for the exhibition. Which has all smashed together to create an exciting exhibition filled with such wild, loud and diverse pieces!”

Jennina O’Neill, Metquarter Centre Manager, said:

“We are beyond excited to be working with Tate Liverpool again after the success of our partnership last year. Metquarter has always been a home for creativity and collaboration, and this project captures that, bringing together artists, young creatives and the wider community. It is brilliant to see local organisations such as LCPS, Prints ‘n Tha’ and Comics Youth transforming our space into a hub of creativity and expression.”