Introduction

As If By Magic… was conceived as a reaction to exhibiting work in a white cube gallery space. House of Haynes provides the ultimate antithesis; a uniquely chaotic space positioned in the creative hub of Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Using this surreal environment as a point of reference the artists will produce individual pieces of artwork using various areas of the venue, such as changing rooms, staircase, shop window and the costume rails.

All six of the exhibiting artists currently work or have recently worked at House of Haynes and the artwork created will respond not only to the eccentricity of the environment, but also to the practise of dressing up itself. The idea of living out your fantasies and becoming someone else for a night!

The exhibition will be part of the MAPS festival and will run from 26th May - 8th June 2008. The artists involved are Nina Chua, Rachael Kelly, Jo Lewington, Jessica Longmore, Oli Stanion and Mandy Tolley.

This blog page will document the creative process involved in making this exhibition a reality.