‘Ways of Learning’ was a project and exhibition that engaged with Grand Union as a site for learning, providing a context for a rich programme of events, artworks, and communal sharing of knowledge. This work was programmed by Lucy Lopez.
‘Ways of Learning’, exhibition view, Grand Union, Birmingham, 2018. Image by Patrick Dandy.
Ways of Learning foregrounded forms of knowledge production that stem from anecdote, informality and collectivity, in contrast to increasingly marketised formal educational systems.
Departing from three key works by artists Alex Martinis Roe, Uriel Orlow, and feminist action group Mujeres Públicas, ‘Ways of Learning‘ drew from feminisms, generational alliances, and indigenous knowledges, as well as forms of solidarity and allegiance which intersect with queer culture.
‘Methi’ (2016), Uriel Orlow, in ‘Ways of Learning’ at Grand Union, Birmingham, 2018. Image by Patrick Dandy.
‘Kitchen’, Kirsty Clark, in ‘Ways of Learning’ at Grand Union, Birmingham, 2018. Image by Patrick Dandy.
The gallery hosted a working and learning environment designed and built by local architecture practice Intervention Architecture.
The gallery was open for anyone to use and share with us. We provided seating with a work space, WiFi and tea and coffee throughout the project.
Alex Martinis Roe’s film work explores genealogies of queer, feminist and working class action.
Uriel Orlow’s films depict enduring culinary and herbal practices in distinct communities.
Mujeres Públicas present posters and printed material responding to sexism and domestic labour in Latin America.
‘Neither Grand Nor Thinkers,’ Mujeres Publicas, in ‘Ways of Learning’ at Grand Union, Birmingham, 2018. Image by Patrick Dandy.
This project also consisted of several new commissions and a broad extended programme:
Read more about the extended Programme hereOpen accordion
Sean Burns reimagined queer periodical ‘In The Pink’, from Birmingham’s LGBT archives (presented with SHOUT Queer Arts Festival)
Artists’ duo Cooking Sections were in residence during Ways of Learning, exploring the food and material histories and ecologies around the canals and the wider West Midlands.
Artist & Grand Union Gallery Assistant, Kirsty Clarke, hosted a series of workshops with local groups in her mobile studio kitchen, based at Grand Union throughout the programme.
We presented newly-commissioned writing by artist Cathy Wade, developed responsively to the show. There was also new writing and events with writers Huw Lemmey and Juliet Jacques thinking through alternative pedagogies and collective thinking.
‘Ways of Learning’, exhibition view, Grand Union, Birmingham, 2018. Image by Patrick Dandy.
‘Ways of Learning’ also showed at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Newcastle.
Structured around three day-long workshops with invited guests Louise Shelley, Teresa Cisneros and Seán Elder, ‘Ways of Learning: BALTIC‘ considered work, care, and kinship as its content for wider programming by the BALTIC crew.
A temporary library was constructed for the duration of the exhibition, housing titles from the collections of BALTIC Library, Burning House Books, NewBridge Books as well as various additional titles available to read.