Gallery North opens its doors for thought-provoking autumn exhibition season

A series of contemporary art exhibitions exploring cultures, communities and environments has launched at Northumbria University’s newly refurbished Gallery North.

Gallery North is an experimental space featuring exhibitions, talks, seminars, workshops and residencies by Northumbria students, alumni and researchers, as well as collaborations with local artists and organisations.

Following a refurbishment earlier this year, the Gallery has launched its autumn programme of work, curated around the theme of Constructions.

The current exhibition, Upstream Image by artist and Assistant Professor in Animation at Northumbria Paul Dolan, explores the journey a digital image must go through before reaching our screen – and the environmental impact this has.

His work highlights the growing dependency of digital image production on hyperscale data centre infrastructure and uses 3D modelling and real-time computer simulation to allow us to engage with the hidden sites of production and the material cost of digital images.

Speaking about his work, Paul Dolan said: “I'm really pleased to be invited to show at Gallery North. It's allowed me to push my practice and to take risks with how different audiences can engage with my research.

“Hearing different reactions to the work has reaffirmed my confidence that this research is important and relevant to lots of people's lives.”

Upstream Image runs until Saturday and will be followed by three more exhibitions this year.

• Slung over the bones of a collage – 27 October – 12 November
• Design Feminisms – 17 November – 3 December
• Grace Denton – Taking Stock – 8 December 17 December

Speaking about this first season of work on show in the nearly refurbished space, Deputy Head of Northumbria’s Department of Arts Steve Gilroy said: “Gallery North aims to provide free public access to a range of exhibitions and events from the Department of Arts, the wider Faculty of Arts Design and Social Sciences, and the University.

“As well as offering a window into our excellent research, the Gallery is a great space to showcase student work and work created in collaboration with external organisations and partners.

We’re really excited to be able to develop our contribution to the cultural offer of our region and beyond.”

Gallery North is open to the public Thursdays and Fridays 12pm – 4pm, Saturday 10am – 2pm and by appointment.