Page 21 - Real Rochdale Issue 15 Autumn 2022

“Mischief” at Touchstones this certain groups hidden or even
completely erased from
Autumn historic narratives due to
discrimination and prejudice.

“Whilst it’s important that our
staff contribute to the
process, we can only
genuinely reinterpret our
American queer feminist artist, Liz collections through
Collins, is bringing her first European collaboration with local

exhibition to Touchstones Rochdale. LGBTQ+ identifying people,
who have ownership over
their culture and heritage in
Starting on 1 October 2022 and running until Epaulet by Liz Collins order to bring these stories,
8 January 2023, Mischief will take over all four perspectives and
gallery spaces, exploring the boundaries experience for me and it’s Twenty pieces of work, chosen interpretations to light.”
between art and design through textiles and something I’m really enjoying.” by Collins and Bryan-Wilson,
fibre. will be shown alongside some Mischief is at Touchstones from
This one-of-a-kind exhibit will significant pieces from the Saturday 1 October 2022 –
Liz Collins is a Brooklyn based accomplished include works curated from Rochdale borough Sunday 8 January 2023.
artist, having exhibited in numerous key Veins.Darkness by Liz Collins the Juan Yarur Torres collections, The Walker Art
galleries across the US. Alongside exhibiting Collection – Fundación AMA Gallery, Bolton Museum & Art
contemporary installations, Liz has also taught The Mischief exhibition, created in in Chile, a leading arts Gallery, and Whitworth Art
in many prestigious US art schools as well as collaboration with guest curator Dr Julia organisation which manages, Gallery, all presented through
serving as a mentor in the Queer Art Bryan-Wilson, will see immersive installations researches and develops a queer lens.
Fellowship Program. transforming spaces with intricately hand- collections of modern and
stitched wall pieces to industrially contemporary art by Chilean Helen Beckett, Curatorial
+ Collections Engagement
and South American
manufactured sculptural works. Collins is a artists, many of which include Coordinator at Touchstones,
master of transforming everyday life a queer aesthetic. The added: “It is really important
inspirations into bold, explosive patterns and Fundación AMA also provides that the collections and
colours creating a fun, mischievous aesthetic.
scholarships and support for exhibitions at Touchstones
emerging artists to undertake reflect the diversity of the
Complementing the Mischief exhibition will international residencies, borough’s population and we
be “Queer, People, Places and Things”, an extra championing the diversity of are all too aware that the
special exhibit co-curated by a group of Chilean culture and art on the ‘traditional’ approach to
LGBTQ+ Rochdale locals, providing a platform world stage. collecting has often left
for the voices of queer artists. Liz Collins

Chase Waterman, part of the group involved in Touchstones Rochdale offers a wide variety of There are interactive exhibits, films, audio
the special exhibit, said: “Taking part in the Liz exhibitions in the Heritage Gallery and the Art and objects from the borough’s collection
Collins project so far has been a great Gallery’s four gallery spaces including those on display.
experience, and my first queer artistic from the local community, selections from the
experience of this kind. It’s been inspiring to borough’s impressive art collection and work Touchstones opening times
look at so much art throughout history from by contemporary artists. Wednesday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm
queer artists and creators, to learn about their Sunday: 10am - 4pm
lives and to feel connected to them in such a As well as the changing exhibitions spaces,
personal way. there is also a permanent museum which aims Touchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade

to tell a potted history of Rochdale. Rochdale, OL16 1AQ
“Weaving my own ideas and personal Tel: 01706 924492
experiences into the exhibition and The museum is ideally suited to visitors with an
Zagreb Mountain by Liz Collins collaborating with other LGBTQ artists is a new interest in the history of Rochdale or families. Admission is FREE.
REAL ROCHDALE - AUTUMN 2022 20 21 REAL ROCHDALE - AUTUMN 2022