Page 21 - Real Rochdale Issue 12 Winter 2021

New exhibitions at Using simple, geometric forms
to create works that can be
Touchstones explore Rochdale interpreted in multiple ways,
Meyrick has even
incorporated elements of
heritage and identities Touchstones’ exhibition space.

“My works may seem difficult
to explain and understand, but
this is a key part of
Three new exhibits will look at interpreting them,” said the
local heritage, community, and contemporary artist.
representation, and works that can be “Imagined alternative
interpreted in multiple ways. interpretations of the
Filming for Gut Feelings Meri Jaan elements are a key part of the
Major new art displays by 2019 Turner Prize visual experience.
winner, Helen Cammock, and The Paul Hamlyn
Foundation award recipient, Jasleen Kaur, are The resulting work – Another exhibition bringing “I love encouraging the viewer
now on display at Touchstones. commissioned by UP Projects shapes to life, ‘Aligned Raised to make their own judgement
in partnership with Lowered Offset Paired’ on the work, and it exists to be
Centring on film works created with the Helen Cammock: Concrete Feathers and Porcelain Tacks Touchstones Rochdale – is a showcases the geometric individually interpreted,
participation of community groups from text, song and performance, exploring social multiple-screen film artwork of Todmorden-based resolved and recreated in
Rochdale, Helen Cammock’s ‘Concrete histories and questioning mainstream installation in which customs artist, George Meyrick. their minds.”
Feathers and Porcelain Tacks’ and Kaur’s ‘Gut historical narratives. and rituals preserved by group
Feelings Meri Jaan’ will run until February members and their families
2022. are performed in specific
Taking an eclectic selection of items from locations in and around the
Touchstones’ public art collection and archive borough.
For her exhibition, Cammock has taken the – which will also be on display – a diverse group
hugely influential 1884 Rochdale Principles of including Rochdale’s former mayor, young
Co-operation as a point of departure, looking people, a local artist, a retired joiner, and a The films are also
to reconnect with these ideas through open Ukrainian women’s choir, were invited to accompanied by a bilingual
dialogues with residents of Rochdale. Together, breathe new life and narratives into these reference book in English and
residents and community groups have objects and uncover strikingly different facets Urdu, printed on seed paper,
examined what it means to exist as part of a of Rochdale. documenting the
community through film, photography, print, conversations and texts
studied by the group.
Artist Jasleen Kaur will explore Rochdale
heritage and history from a different George Meyrick: Aligned Raised Lowered Offset Paired
Exhibitions at Touchstones perspective by bringing to the forefront the
voices of migrant communities within the
George Meyrick: Aligned Raised Lowered town’s social history, which have historically Touchstones Rochdale offers a wide variety of There are interactive exhibits, films, audios
Offset Paired been marginalised and misrepresented. exhibitions in the Heritage Gallery and the Art and objects from the borough’s collection
Gallery One until Sunday 9 January 2022 Gallery’s four gallery spaces including those on display.
During a series of online gatherings and from the local community, selections from the
What’s Changed? conversations held by Kaur over a nine-month borough’s impressive art collection and work Touchstones opening times
Gallery Two until Saturday 1 January 2022 period, a group of women and non-binary by contemporary artists. Wednesday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm
participants from the local South Asian Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Jasleen Kaur: Gut Feelings Meri Jaan community were invited to critique the
Gallery Three until Sunday 13 February 2022 As well as the changing exhibitions spaces,
contents of the Ethnic Minorities section of the there is also a permanent museum which aims Touchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade
local archives at Touchstones, questioning how
Helen Cammock: Concrete Feathers and to tell a potted history of Rochdale. Rochdale, OL16 1AQ
Porcelain Tacks notions of cultural heritage are preserved and Tel: 01706 924492
Gallery Four until Sunday 13 February 2022 considering the human body as a living archive The museum is ideally suited to visitors with an
and carrier of histories. interest in the history of Rochdale or families. Admission is FREE.

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