PEACE OF MIND – AN EVENT STYLE EXHIBITION LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE

Hey guys Amber Rose here to tell you about my latest venture in putting on an event style exhibition in Lost Art Skate Shop with my friend and fellow creative Ufuoma.

Firstly let me introduce you to who we are and how we decided to come up with this concept. We are two locally sourced, female creatives who share a similar taste in music and perspective on creative embodiment in our community. Ufuoma is no stranger to hosting a successful art exhibition, having curated her own earlier this year in Arts Bar – Hope street; showcasing her own art, holding a unique space for young creatives and raising money for Liverpool Sickle Cell Charity. And me, I am no stranger to creating a powerful atmosphere when I am behind the decks. I love to DJ because bringing people together and enabling an environment where escapism and unification can be felt is in my opinion an important factor for survival in our society at the moment.

Earlier this year I wrote an article for Liverpool Music City about ‘Creative Hubs In Liverpool’ and in my research for this piece realised how scarce these spaces are especially catered towards young, local creatives. We are from Toxteth, known for its artistic rebellion and community. From after the Industrial Revolution being reformed as a wasteland for the working class and people of colour to being a goldmine for art, music, and creative density in Liverpool. Growing up in this wonderful place I always felt so closely connected to my neighbours and peers who I still call family. Never needing to go without and always knowing you are part of a traditional infrastructure of community. We had an abundance of free/cheap spaces and events designed purely out of artistic provision – by the people for the people. In recent years we have noticed a separation within our community through lack of funding, COVID19 social repercussions, grassroots venues closing everyday and just plain old keeping up with the times of commercialism. The idea of our exhibition/event was to create a space for our community and other likeminded people to express, network and enjoy themselves.

The concept behind this exhibition/event was built on the premise that exhibitions are often very serious affairs, ones that our peers attend through the appreciation of our art alone. We wanted this to be a space that the people can have fun, not worry that they are talking too loudly, dance, laugh and be present. We exhibited 5 art styles – Art, Photography, Videography, Fashion and Music, with each section holding art from 3-4 local, grassroots creatives and DJs (full credit list will be below). This was also a non-profit event so all were welcome, free of charge.

The music ranged from Afrobeats, Amapiano and Bashment to Garage, Grime and Funky. Throughout the night we had a few waves of people come and show support with family and those that had work in the morning coming early, with a light layer music in the background and a calm atmosphere. Later, the more agile of our crowd started to come through and by 9 o’clock we had a full house, Magnum’s flowing as well as the conversation, the volume of the music creeping up throughout the night alongside the vibrancy in the room. Our mission was accomplished with all who attended really taking in the art we had on display, enjoying themselves, networking and being present in a wholesome environment. For the most part keeping their phone in their pocket as well. Some artists even sold their pieces! As the curators of this space, Ufuoma and I found ourselves stepping back and observing on occasion and were filled with joy and pride that we had brought our city together again through Art and Community.

The venue we carefully selected was Lost Art Skate Shop – By day, an epicentre for the skating community in Liverpool, selling a range of skating equipment and clothing. By evening opening its floor to accommodate local pioneers in their vision for creative celebration. Lost Art is the Liver Building equivalent of the non-commercial side of Liverpool and never fails to represent the artistic niche that goes hand in hand with skating culture. The space felt like home, located in the Baltic Triangle which as we all know is the beating heart of the creative scene in Liverpool.

As I mentioned in Toxteth, as I was growing up we were never short of safe, vibrant spaces but yes, in recent years we have lost sight of the importance of togetherness and being present with each other, but for the first time in a while I really felt that in this space and I know everyone who came did also. I really think this was a perfect reflection of the evolution of the music scene and why it is so important to bring together subcultures and create spaces for us to connect, share and give love to one another. We both had so much fun doing this. It was a chance for us to make room for artists that we love. It was in and of itself built on pure foundations and manifested itself in that way. We felt the warmth and had such wonderful feedback for the event. Ufuoma was an amazing partner as well, we shared the workload and both took on aspects of planning which we thrived in, she is a force to keep an eye on, truly a talented woman with so much to offer the creative scene.

We are definitely going to pursue this so keep your eyes peeled for the next one and please if you are an artist, photographer, videographer, have your own brand or make clothes in Liverpool and would like to get involved drop me a message on Instagram here. Thank you for reading guys!

A big thank you to each and every one involved

Art

Photography

Fashion