The official blurb describes it as this…

“Jock Mooney constructs a world populated by grotesque characters, weird animals, lurid flowers and morphed effigies of historical, mythical and religious figures. Equally bizarre objects, composed of fingers, bones and fried eggs, take the form of memorial wreaths. Mooney creates a carnivalesque horror show that raises a distorted mirror to the modern world. Junk food, pop icons, religion, history, and art are all fair game, and Mooney takes no prisoners. “

…yup, that’s fairly accurate. This opened last night at VANE’s new space on Pilgrim Street in Newcastle and is one of the best exhibitions I have seen in a while. Now, this was always going to be my kind of show; I’m a fan of Mooney’s work and if you were to categorise it this is ‘my kind of art’ – but forgetting that there is a consistent quality that runs throughout every piece. The craftsmanship and detail is pretty impressive.

More info: Click here

In the next space you’ll find ‘Love Me’ by Zed Nelson, A series of technically brilliant photographs depicting modern day examples of modification only this time self/culturally inflicted. The series documents the the golbalisation of western beauty ideals – Interesting observation of the night: “Nobody in the photos look happy”.

Both shows are very well executed and aesthetically pleasing yet laced with intense, stark undertones; quite apt I suppose. Definitely worth a look.

More info: Click here

http://www.sponsume.com/project/salford-zine-library 

Some of you may remember the collaboration that brought the Zine Library to Durham Art Gallery in Summer 2010, some of you may even have contributed your own books. Now you can contribute in another way by sticking some money in the pot and getting some nice swag out of the deal!

We’re incredibly excited and if you chip in then you can join us for a trip down to the new grand opening*

For £5! You get an invite to the opening launch night.

For £10! You also receive a freshly burnt DVD of the Salford Zine Library film ‘Self-Publishers of the World Take Over.’

For £20! Add to it a guided tour of the 3 x 5 metres room with head librarian Craig John Barr.

And for £50 and upwards! You get all of the previously mentioned plus you can pick an original piece of artwork listed from my website portfolio.

*You’l have to pay your own transport and hotel obviously but our company is free!

The thing I have always like about ONSIND is that they don’t just write fluff using a boring, years old formula about clichéd topics – You actually believe what they are singing, it’s honest and poignant stuff.

You should always try and see this band live, the raw energy that comes out of this two person set up is unreal and coupled with the infectious crowd participation that inevitably ensues you always leave feeling like you have just witnessed something special.

Support comes by way of Eric Ayotte, The Amistad and interestingly a screening from the DIY film making project The Gadabout Film fest – so it’s gonna be good then!

When: Sunday 1st April
Where: Fishtank, Durham
How much: £5
Doors: 7pm
Film starts at 7:30pm sharp

Full details: click here
ONSIND website: onsind.bandcamp.com/

The Pure Gallery say…

“Turps is a magazine filled with artwork, writing, photography, comics, reviews and other general pieces of creative work. We love the mag and want to support them so that they continue to bring us absolute awesomeness! There will be limited edition prints, original work and t-shirts available on the night.”

Turps Mag say…

“Hello! we are having our first ever exhibition. SO if you want to come look at some art, drink booze, get issue#11 of the mag and have a super fun time make sure you make it along, even if you hate what we do at least you can get pissed. cheers bye”

We say…

“We’re going to this like”

Thursday 29th March | 7pm

The Pure Gallery
151 Park View
Whitley Bay
Tyne & Wear
NE26 3RF

0191 251 3520

Turps Mag – www.turpsmag.co.uk
The Pure Gallery – www.thepuregallery.co.uk

“We warmly invite you to attend one (or both!) performances of ‘The Vagina Monologues’ in Durham on the following dates:

#1 Tuesday 13th March @ Empty Shop (Durham)

- Doors will open at 6.30pm; the reading-performance will start at 7pm
- £3 per ticket

#2 Wednesday 14th March @ Empty Shop (Durham)

- Doors will open at 6.30pm; the reading-performance will start at 7pm
- £3 per ticket

All proceeds will be donated to RSACC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre, Darlington and County Durham) and the V-Day 2012 Spotlight on Women and Girls of Haiti. Refreshments will be available on both nights and proceeds from this will also donated.

To guarantee a place, tickets should be collected and paid for in person prior to the performances. To organise this, please email us at durham.feminist.forum.events@gmail.com to arrange a suitable date/time at which to pay for and collect the tickets. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. “

Facebook event: click here