Programme February – April 2014 www.ikon-gallery.org Free entry Ikon celebrates its 50th year during 2014–2015. Ikon 50 starts in February with the first solo show A programme of special exhibitions and events, by Iraqi-Kurdish artist Jamal Penjweny, coinciding collectively known as Ikon 50, marks this milestone with an ongoing installation of wall drawings by in our history. David Tremlett. Spring 2014 arrives with the most comprehensive UK exhibition to date by Belgian Spanning five decades, five locations and five artist Michel François, followed in the summer by As directors, Ikon has grown from a small artist-led Exciting As We Can Make It, a survey of Ikon’s activity space in a kiosk in ’s Bullring to become during the 1980s. In September we present the an internationally acclaimed gallery, housed in the extraordinary multi-media creations of Korean artist former Oozells Street School building, Brindleyplace, Lee Bul before the exhibition to celebrate Deutsche welcoming over 130,000 visitors every year. Bank’s Artist of the Year 2013, Imran Qureshi. Ikon Throughout its 50 years, Ikon has played a key role 50 culminates in early 2015 with an exciting video in the development of many artistic careers. Martin installation by Angolan artist Nástio Mosquito, Ikon 50 Appeal Creed, Antony Gormley, Carmen Herrera, Julian shown alongside the more quiet and contemplative Opie, Cornelia Parker and Dayanita Singh have all work of Norwegian artist A. K. Dolven, and a Tower You can help. Make a donation to our Ikon 50 had important exhibitions here, to name just a few. Room tribute to Robert Groves, the artist who gave Appeal and support three key areas of activity in our Ikon its name in 1964. anniversary year: the Ikon 50 exhibition programme; outreach work in schools and communities; and a Ikon Icons sees the return of five key British new public sculpture for the city by Birmingham-born artists from an exhibition programme starting in artist Gillian Wearing. 1965, one artist per decade: John Salt, Ian Emes, Cornelia Parker, Yinka Shonibare and Julian Opie. During 2014–2015, Arts Council will match A presentation of work by each takes place, any donation you make to Ikon, so your donation consecutively during Ikon 50, in Ikon’s Tower Room. will be automatically doubled!

Ikon 50 also includes an extensive public programme For more information or to donate please visit of talks, events, film screenings and off-site projects. www.ikon-gallery.org/support/ikon-appeal or call A highlight is our series Those Were The Decades, 0121 248 0708. days of talks, debates and film screenings focusing For more about Ikon 50 on each decade since Ikon began, exploring wider visit www.ikon-gallery.org social, political and cultural contexts. 1 , Bullring, 1965–1968 Western soldiers in ranks and on patrol – each with Jamal Penjweny a single red line drawn across the neck. The mark references the Islamic custom dictating that images of living creatures should be avoided, their creation Saddam is Here considered the rightful domain of God rather than that of humanity. By separating body and head, Exhibition Penjweny ‘invalidates’ the image, disclaiming his role 19 February – 21 April 2014 of creator. For Iraq is Flying (2006–2010) Penjweny First Floor Galleries requested that his subjects jump whilst being photographed and so it seems that they are jumping for joy, perhaps in reminiscence of lost childhood games, in the face of the great hardship they experience in everyday life.

This exhibition is organised in collaboration with the Ikon presents the first solo exhibition of Jamal Ruya Foundation for Contemporary Culture in Iraq. Penjweny, including photography and video works reflecting on life in Iraq today. Born in Sulaimaniya, “Kurdish artist Jamal Penjweny’s cheeky portraits of Iraqi Kurdistan, in 1981, Penjweny started his artistic Iraqis holding a black-and-white photo of Saddam career as a sculptor and painter, moving into Hussein over their faces manage to momentarily photography whilst supporting himself by working animate the dark legacy of the country’s former as a shepherd and, latterly, a café proprietor. His leader.” Artforum work has been the subject of international attention following its inclusion in Welcome to Iraq, the Iraqi To coincide with his exhibition at Ikon, Penjweny pavilion at the 2013 Venice Biennale, curated by Ikon has produced a limited edition photograph Untitled Director Jonathan Watkins. [Sitting Soldier] (2014) from the series Saddam is 2 Here, edition 200, £250. Visit our online shop at Key to this exhibition is the photographic series www.ikon-gallery.org for the full range of Ikon’s Saddam is Here (2009–2010), consisting of twelve catalogues and editions. images of Iraqi people in familiar surroundings, each holding a life-size picture of Saddam Hussein’s face in front of their own. Saddam’s likeness becomes a mask obscuring any expression of emotion, Associated Event any gaze, or possibility of sure identification and individuality. It is ludicrous, hilarious and at the same Exhibition opening time absolutely ominous, pointing up the insidious Wednesday 19 February, 6–8pm – FREE influence of a dictator. Of the work, Penjweny has Join us for a glass of wine to celebrate the opening said “Saddam is here. Iraqi society cannot forget him of our new exhibition. even after his death because some of us still love him and the rest are still afraid of him … His shadow is still following Iraqi society everywhere.”

Penjweny’s short film Another Life (2010), follows some days in the lives of Iraqis smuggling alcohol from Iraq into Iran. It has the grainy appeal of covert mobile phone footage, and is very matter- of-fact in its editing. There is no melodrama, but the last moments are striking when, instead of rolling credits, we see a short text explaining how 2 Jamal Penjweny two of the men just introduced to us were killed by Without Soul (2011) customs police a few days after filming. 3 Jamal Penjweny Iraq is Flying (2010) Another photographic series, Without Soul (2011), shows everyday scenes – Iraqis at work and prayer, Courtesy the artist 3 David Tremlett 3 Drawing Rooms

Exhibition to 21 April 2014 Second Floor Galleries

David Tremlett’s artistic practice, developed after his formal training at Falmouth School of Art, Birmingham College of Art and the Royal College of Art, is characterised by a critical examination of what sculpture and indeed art could be; an interest in the creative process of making, rather than focusing on a final result. Tremlett refers to his work as objects, flat sculpture, rather than images which, for him, imply illusion. His compositions typically consist of abstract forms, abstract arrangements of arcs, circles, trapezoids, text and line – formal constructs which emanate a joy of colour.

For Ikon, Tremlett has transformed the second floor galleries with geometric shapes, applied directly to the walls using pastel pigment and engine grease. Each of the three rooms contains a separate drawing playing off the volumes of architectural space, retuning our perception of them. The first is covered with a dramatic composition of red, blue, black and grey vertical rectangles, based on observations of high-rise buildings and city landscapes the artist made while in Japan. The second, described by Tremlett as the ‘hinge’ between the two larger spaces, is a drawing with diagonals of grey paint and black graphite grease, A newssheet publication, containing photography whilst the final room features horizontal bands of of the installation in progress and complete and an earth-like colours, a scheme first conceived but interview with David Tremlett and Jonathan Watkins, unrealised for the Skolkovo Moscow School of Ikon Director, accompanies the exhibition. Price £1. Management, Russia. Visit Ikon’s online shop at www.ikon-gallery.org for the full range of Ikon’s catalogues and limited Like all of Tremlett’s wall drawings, the installation editions. was planned with meticulous detail, taking more than two weeks to complete, with the artist and his “As you enter each room the effect is seductively assistants applying the colour painstakingly by hand. disorientating. Slabs of black and white are visually 4 David Tremlett Visit www.ikon-gallery.org to view an installation punctuated by geometric passages of primary 3 Drawing Rooms (2013) film by Chris Keenan. colour.” The Guardian Photograph by Stuart Whipps Ikon Icons Afternoon Tea Public Events Thursday 20 March, 2.30–4.30pm – FREE* Join us for an exhibition tour, followed by tea, cake and chat in Café Opus at Ikon. Places are free but John Salt should be booked. Visit www.ikon-gallery.org to book online or call Ikon on 0121 248 0708. *Suggested Exhibition Talks and Tours £4 donation for refreshments 19 February – 21 April 2014 Tower Room Spotlight Tours 1960s Art and Architecture Tour Only accessible via a number of steps Every Friday, 1pm and Sunday, 3pm – FREE Saturday 22 March, 1–2.30pm – FREE Join a member of our staff team for a 15 minute Tour starts: Paolozzi statue, Westgate, spotlight tour looking at a key work in the Main Entrance, The John Salt, the first artist ever to exhibit at Ikon, exhibition. No need to book, meet in Ikon foyer. Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2FG shows paintings, prints and sculpture made Meet University Curator Clare Mullett for a walking 5 John Salt Cadillac (1967) before he embarked on an artistic career both in Jamal Penjweny in conversation tour of the University of Birmingham’s Fine Art Oil on canvas Courtesy the artist the US and the UK that saw him acknowledged Thursday 13 February, 7–8.30pm – FREE collection and 1960s campus architecture. Highlights internationally as a major exponent of Photorealism. The Mosaic Rooms, 226 Cromwell Road include work by Peter Lanyon, Eduardo Paolozzi and They reflect a pop sensibility, a subtle sense of SW5 0SW Ikon founder David Prentice. To book online visit humour and an abiding interest in cars. Organised in advance of Jamal Penjweny’s exhibition www.ikon-gallery.org or telephone 0121 248 0708. at Ikon, this event sees him in discussion with Ikon John Salt is our Ikon Icon for the 1960s, to be followed Director, Jonathan Watkins. The talk focuses on Jonathan Watkins: Welcome to Iraq by Ian Emes (1970s), Cornelia Parker (1980s), Yinka Penjweny’s career and work to date, including the Tuesday 25 March, 7–8pm – FREE Shonibare (1990s) and Julian Opie (2000s). photographic series Saddam is Here, and his inclusion Ikon Director Jonathan Watkins gives an illustrated in Welcome to Iraq, the Iraqi pavilion at the 2013 Venice talk about his experiences as curator of the Iraqi Biennale. This event is a collaboration between Ikon, Pavilion for the 2013 Venice Biennale. Having The Mosaic Rooms and Gulan. Booking is essential, travelled extensively in Iraq, from the southern [email protected] or telephone 020 7370 9990. marshlands to Kurdistan, he made a selection of www.mosaicrooms.org / www.gulan.org.uk artists including Jamal Penjweny, whose work exemplifies extraordinary inventiveness in the face BSL Exhibition Tour of the challenges that characterise everyday life in Thursday 27 February, 1–3pm – FREE this beleaguered country. Places are free but should Join a member of the Learning Team for an exhibition be booked. Visit www.ikon-gallery.org to book tour with British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation. online or call Ikon on 0121 248 0708. Suitable for Deaf visitors and their friends and family. Graham Gussin A fitted induction loop is available. Places are free but Audio Described Introductory Tour should be booked by email [email protected] Thursday 3 April, 2–3pm – FREE online at www.ikon-gallery.org or call Ikon on Join us for an informal audio described introduction Spill 0121 248 0708. to our current exhibitions with a focus on two key works. Suitable for blind and partially sighted visitors Off-site installation Life Echo: Illustrated Talk with Justin Wiggan and their friends and family. Places are free but 19 February – 21 April 2014 Monday 17 March, 5–7pm – FREE should be booked, visit www.ikon-gallery.org to Fletchers Walk, Birmingham B3 3HJ Room E102, Biosciences Building, The University book online or call Ikon on 0121 248 0708. of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT Ikon continues its collaboration with John Taylor Ikon continues to present film works in a disused Hospice and its residents. Sound artist Justin shop unit in Fletchers Walk, central Birmingham. Wiggan explores his innovative approach and discusses his research with Dr Hugh Rickards, Graham Gussin’s film Spill (1999) points up cinematic 6 Graham Gussin Consultant Neuropsychiatrist, National Centre for Spill (1999) effects to convey notions of threshold and threat. Set 16mm, black and white, silent Mental Health, Birmingham. This event includes in an empty industrial building, gradually subsumed Courtesy the artist a Q&A and is presented as part of the University by artificial fog, it evokes the uncanny, referring to of Birmingham’s Arts and Science festival (17–21 horror and science fiction films of the 1950s as well March). Places are free but should be booked. as contemporary commercial music videos. The To book email [email protected] All events take place at Ikon Gallery unless overall effect is hypnotic and compelling. www.birmingham.ac.uk/artandsciencefestival otherwise stated. Those Were The Decades

A series of special events focusing on the five decades of Ikon’s history and the social, political and cultural context, including talks, debates and film screenings.

7 Medium Cool (1969)

To Sir With Love: 1968, popular culture and the 4–5.30pm Booking is essential for Those Were The Decades. 1960s Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies – Option A Day Passes are £15 and £12 concessions. Illustrated Talk Film Screening Evening Event only tickets are £7.50 and £5.50 The rise of counterculture 11am–12pm A screening of Motorcity Music Years (1993) featuring concessions. Season Tickets available for all five Dr Kieran Connell, Research Fellow, University of the music of the Brumbeat groups that rivalled days (20% discount): £60 and £48 concessions. Saturday 29 March Birmingham, explores the influence of the student Liverpool’s Merseybeat in the mid-‘60s. protests and popular cultures of the late 1960s, or Book online at www.ikon-gallery.org or call Ikon Heritage Learning Space with particular reference to the Birmingham Centre Option B Shop on 0121 248 0711. Level 4, Library of Birmingham for Contemporary Cultural Studies (which also Tour of Ikon Gallery – a short introduction to Ikon Centenary Square, Broad Street celebrates its 50th year in 2014), and the global field and its current exhibitions. Future events: Birmingham B1 2ND of cultural studies. Saturday 14 June 6–8pm 1970s: Politics and Protest Ikon in the 1960s The Alternative ‘60s – sound and vision Saturday 12 July 12.15–1.30pm Studio Theatre, Library of Birmingham, Centenary 1980s: Anything Goes A panel discussion, chaired by Ikon Director, Square, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2ND Saturday 11 October Jonathan Watkins, with Ikon Icons artist John Salt; An evening dedicated to the counterculture of the 1990s: The March of Globalisation one of Ikon’s founders, Jesse Bruton; and former late 1960s, produced with Flatpack Film Festival. Saturday 29 November arts editor Birmingham Post and Arts Lab pioneer, Programme includes a special screening of film 2000s: The Age of Turbulence Terry Grimley. classic Medium Cool (1969) by Haskell Wexler, the first feature screened at the newly-formed Those Were The Decades is organised in collaboration Exploring the archives with Dr Chris Upton Birmingham Arts Lab. Few films capture the spirit with Flatpack Film Festival, The Library of 2.30–3.30pm and music of ‘60s counterculture as potently, Birmingham, University of Birmingham and Writing Join local historian Dr Chris Upton as he explores tracing a news cameraman’s free-wheeling journey West Midlands. material from the Library archives for evidence of through 1968 Chicago, coinciding with the turbulent Birmingham’s counterculture in the 1960s. Democratic Convention. 8 Anthony Howell and Lindi Köpke Tell Me On A Sunday Complexities (2010) Literature Sunday 23 March, 5–8pm – FREE Photograph by Jeandré Henning and Storytelling Theme: The kindness of strangers Sunday 13 April, 5–8pm – FREE Theme: By the skin of my teeth (Story Supper 5–6pm, performances 6–8pm) Book Launch Tell Me On A Sunday is Ikon’s true-life storytelling 100 Works of Art That Will Define Our Age project, organised in collaboration with Writing by Kelly Grovier West Midlands and storyteller Cat Weatherill. Thursday 6 March, 6.30–7.30pm – FREE Eight people each perform a seven minute story, Ikon hosts the launch of this bold and engaging based on a specially selected theme and all with analysis of 100 works of art from the past two truth at their heart. Pitch your story at decades. Featured artists include many who have www.writingwestmidlands.org Please note these exhibited at Ikon such as Francis Alys, Martin Creed, events are intended for adult audiences. Places are Olafur Eliasson, Antony Gormley, Susan Hiller, On free but should be booked. Visit www.ikon-gallery. Kawara, Cornelia Parker, Santiago Sierra, Rirkrit org to book online or call Ikon on 0121 248 0708. Tiravanija and Gillian Wearing. Kelly Grovier is a poet and historian and contributes regularly on art to the Birmingham Independent Book Fair Times Literary Supplement. Grovier is in conversation Saturday 12 April, 11am–5pm – FREE with Stuart Tulloch, Ikon Curator. Places are free but Ikon, in collaboration with Writing West Midlands, Workshops and Courses Dance should be booked. Visit www.ikon-gallery.org to hosts a day-long fair showcasing the best prose and book online or call Ikon on 0121 248 0708. poetry from independent publishers across the West Midlands and beyond. This is a great opportunity to Practical Workshop for Adults Tango Schumann browse stalls, buy unique publications and talk to Thursday 6 March, 2–4.30pm – £4 per person* Saturday 1 March, 4–4.30pm – FREE writers and publishers including Flarestack Poets Join us for a gallery-based session devised especially Lindi De Angelis and Anthony Howell dance the and Nine Arches Press. Visit our website for adults. This afternoon provides an informal and tango to classical music and jazz. They present two www.ikon-gallery.org nearer the time for readings fun way to explore the current exhibitions. Places are works, Negative Time: Three Movements to Classical and workshops taking place at the fair. This event limited. Booking essential, visit www.ikon-gallery.org Music and Isfahan. Each dance in this series omits is a project of the West Midlands Independent to book online or call Ikon Shop on 0121 248 0711. some usually included ingredient in the art of tango Publishers’ Network. www.writingwestmidlands.org *Cost includes refreshments and materials. – connection, contact and development. In a fourth dance all the elements return, performed to the jazz Book Launch Understanding Art Part IV: Sculpture impressionism of Duke Ellington. No need to book, My Biggest Lie by Luke Brown Thursday 27 March, 2–3pm just drop in. After the performance, Howell and Tuesday 15 April, 6.30–8pm – FREE The Barber Institute of Fine Art De Angelis lead a 1 hour tango class, 4.45–5.45pm, Ikon hosts the launch of the debut novel by author Thursday 3 April, 2–3pm suitable for beginners to experienced dancers. Luke Brown, former publisher at Birmingham’s The New Art Gallery Walsall Class costs £4 per person, £3 concessions: students, Tindal Street Press. My Biggest Lie tells the story of a Thursday 10 April, 2–3pm unwaged, 60+. Limited availability. To book online man who moves to Buenos Aires when his lies get Wolverhampton Art Gallery visit www.ikon-gallery.org or call 0121 248 0711. the better of him and who, in this most deceitful and Thursday 1 May, 2–3pm sensual of cities, makes a brave, or perhaps foolish, Ikon Gallery Grey Suit Launch attempt to reform. Luke Brown is in conversation £20 for all four sessions Sunday 2 March, 3–4.30pm - FREE with Catherine O’Flynn, prize-winning author of £16 concessions: students, unwaged, 60+ Ikon hosts the online re-launch of Issue 1 of Grey What Was Lost. Places are free, to book online visit This short course considers the development of Suit, a magazine on VHS edited by Anthony Howell www.ikon-gallery.org or call Ikon on 0121 248 0708. sculpture. Starting with the Barber Institute’s (1993–1995) which published work by poets, historical collection which features the ground- performance artists and musicians. We also launch breaking figurative work of Rodin, we then move the Grey Suit chap-book of poems by Fawzi Karim, to The New Art Gallery Walsall to explore sculpture Iraq’s most famous poet, who recites a selection of by Jacob Epstein. At Wolverhampton Art Gallery we his works in Arabic. This event includes screenings look at developments from the 1950s to the 1980s, of work by artists Stuart Sherman, Teemu Maki and before culminating in a review of contemporary F. T. Prince. Ikon shows the complete online video sculptural installations by Michel François at Ikon throughout the day. No need to book, just drop in. Gallery. Booking essential. Visit www.ikon-gallery.org All events take place at Ikon Gallery unless or call Ikon Shop on 0121 248 0711. otherwise stated. Kontrast: Live Jazz at Ikon Frontiers Festival Kontrast: Live Jazz at Ikon Music Organised by Birmingham-based musician David The Crimson Pangolin Private Collection: Hansu-Tori Austin Grey, Kontrast brings together performances Artefacts of Contemporary Music Friday 18 April, 8.30–10.15pm by some of the UK’s leading Jazz artists. Sunday 30 March, 12–2pm – FREE £10/£5 concs: under 16s, students, unwaged, 60+ TG Collective The Crimson Pangolin, a private detective agency Hansu-Tori play what is best described as beautifully Friday 7 March, 8.30–10.15pm Kontrast: Stuart McCallum founded by Birmingham based composer Luke cinematic, organic, original music. Led by David £10 per person Friday 28 March, 8.30–10.15pm Deane, presents an auction of its privately Austin Grey, the band is made up of some of the An intriguing mix of gypsy jazz, flamenco, jazz and £10/£5 concs: under 16s, students, unwaged, 60+ accumulated collection of objects and artefacts, all UK’s most versatile and sought after improvisers. contemporary classical influences, TG Collective Led by Stuart McCallum, guitarist for The Cinematic connected to Birmingham’s contemporary music For this performance Hansu-Tori perform material formed in 2006, built around the core of guitarists Orchestra, this trio’s sound combines nimble acoustic history from the last four years. Items include three from their newly recorded album. To book online Jamie Fekete and Sam Slater, alongside the unusual and electric guitar playing with big beats, rock-steady sand timers used to perform John Cage’s infamous visit www.ikon-gallery.org or call Ikon Shop on combination of flutes, violin, double bass, trumpet, bass and live samples. Expect music which is at times 4’33” at Symphony Hall. No need to book, items on 0121 248 0711. clarinet, cajón and percussion. Creating ‘an exciting, spacious and intimate, at others wildly energetic. To view from 12pm, auction commences 1.15pm. sensuous sound’, the band have built up a strong book online visit www.ikon-gallery.org or call Ikon www.thecrimsonpangolin.com following with their intense live performances. To Shop on 0121 248 0711. book online visit www.ikon-gallery.org or call Ikon Frontiers Festival Shop on 0121 248 0711. Decibel performs Philip Glass www.tgcollective.com Tuesday 1 April, 8–10pm £12/£8 concs: under 16s, students, unwaged, 60+ Usurp Chance Tour 2014: Critically-acclaimed group Decibel give a rare John Cage – Indeterminacy performance of Philip Glass’s revolutionary and and The Conspirators of Pleasure mesmerising early minimal compositions. The Tuesday 18 March, 7.30–10pm programme includes Music in Fifths, Music in Similar £8/£6 concessions / £5 under 16s and students* Motion and Two Pages, pieces that defined an era and CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham B1 2LF which remain as fresh, radical and controversial as Ikon and BCMG present a Usurp Art Gallery and they did 40 years ago. Artistic director: Ed Bennett. Sound and Music collaboration. An evening of two dynamic ensemble performances exploring Frontiers Festival the breadth of improvisation in new music. 9 Stuart McCallum Pauline Oliveros: Deep Listening Meditation Indeterminacy, originally recorded in 1959 with John Wednesday 2 April, 9.30–11am Cage reading aloud 90 stories, each lasting one £15/£10 concs: under 16s, students, unwaged, 60+ minute, is recast with as the reader, Deep Listening® is a process created by Pauline accompanied by contemporary pianists Tania Chen Frontiers Festival Oliveros, 2012 John Cage Award winner. Intended to and Steve Beresford. Extraordinary Music from Downtown New York heighten awareness of sound, silence and sounding and Birmingham beyond ordinary perceptions, Oliveros engages The Conspirators of Pleasure features Poulomi Sunday 30 March, Tuesday 1 April participants in an immersive experience through Desai (augmented sitar), Simon Underwood and Wednesday 2 April energy exercises, listening meditation, journaling on (modified toys + electronics) and Seth Ayyaz (daaf Ikon hosts four events as part of Frontiers, listening, improvisation and performance of Sonic + electronics), creating improvised soundscapes, celebrating the collaborative and do-it-your-own- Meditations and Deep Listening Pieces. Film twisting technology and transforming organic way traditions of New York, its defining sounds, sounds. www.usurp.org.uk ideas and iconic moments, alongside Birmingham’s Frontiers Festival Water-mirror of Granada (Aguaespejo Granadino) own vibrant music and cultural scene. Frontiers Carl Stone: Fujiken Saturday 22 March, 11–6pm – FREE *Plus £2.50 transaction fee, and £1 (optional) postage, on all Festival at Ikon is organised in collaboration with Wednesday 2 April, 9–10pm As part of Flatpack Film Festival 8 (20–30 March) bookings except those made in person at the Symphony Hall Box Office. Tickets can be purchased at CBSO Centre on the night of Birmingham Conservatoire, Birmingham City £10/£7 concs: under 16s, students, unwaged, 60+ and its season of aquatic walks, installations and the performance with no additional fees. All seating is unreserved. University and Third Ear. Carl Stone is one of the pioneers of live computer films, Ikon screens José Val del Omar’s dazzling music, hailed by the Village Voice as “the king of Water-mirror of Granada (1955). José Val del Omar Tickets available from www.birmingham-box. sampling” and “one of the best composers living in was an experimental filmmaker and inventor of co.uk, 0121 245 4455, or in person from The Box, the USA today”. Composed in Tokyo, Fujiken blends audio-visual gadgetry who managed to carve Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Centenary Square. field recordings made through Southeast Asia with out a career in Franco’s Spain and this beautifully appropriated music from street cassettes, processed impressionistic portrait of the Alhambra is the first When purchasing tickets in person or over the telephone, credit and resynthesized. For this event, field materials may part of his Elementary Triptych of Spain. No need to card bookings incur a 3% fee per transaction and debit card include recorded meandering on the Chao Praya River book, just drop in. Please note this film (23 minutes) bookings incur a 50p fee per transaction. Both fees are waived All events take place at Ikon Gallery unless for online bookings and all cash payments are fee-free. www. (Bangkok), a fire outbreak in Phnom Pehn, college includes some stroboscopic effects. Full programme otherwise stated. frontiersmusic.org sports practice in Toyota City Japan, and others. information available at www.flatpackfestival.org.uk Family Events Free drop-in activities Ikon Youth

For all ages No need to book, stay for as long as you like Programme Creative workshops Family Saturdays Activities aimed at specific age groups Saturday 1 March, 1–4pm – FREE Inspired by Ikon’s Jamal Penjweny exhibition Half Term Family Workshops Saturday 5 April, 1–4pm – FREE Thursday 20 February, 10.30am–12pm (3–5 yrs) Celebrating Ikon’s 50th anniversary year Friday 21 February, 10.30am–12pm (3–5 yrs) Open to all ages (adults very welcome), these Friday 21 February, 2–4pm afternoons of creative activities engage, challenge (6 yrs +, younger siblings welcome) and delight. Join us as we explore the current £4 per child, payable in advance exhibitions and make original artwork. Cost includes refreshments 10 Slow Boat Summer 2013 Join us during the school holidays for fun creative workshops as we explore the current exhibitions and make original artwork in response. Places Schools Event are limited. Network Meeting for Midlands Art Teachers Known as IYP, the Ikon Youth Programme is a group Open Social Parent and toddler morning with DanceXchange Wednesday 26 February, 5–7pm – FREE of young people who share an interest in visual Friday 4 April, 6.30–8pm – FREE Tuesday 4 March, 10–11am 4MAT is the regional teachers’ network that meets art. Meeting regularly at Ikon Gallery since 2009, Taking place in Ikon’s galleries this is the first of a £4 per child, payable in advance regularly, providing opportunities to share advice, participants aged 15–19 years old are encouraged new events programme aimed at young people. This special gallery-based session explores movement expertise and experience whilst making new to devise creative projects, establish networks with You have the chance to see our current exhibitions with dance specialist Marie-Louise Crawley and is for connections with colleagues from across the region. other youth groups and share their thoughts and in a new light, with live performances in an informal parents with children aged 0–3 years. Places are free but should be booked online at opinions about a wide range of topics. and social setting. This event is free but booking is www.ikon-gallery.org or by calling Ikon on essential. To book a place email Kate Self at Easter Family Workshops 0121 248 0708. [email protected] or telephone 0121 248 0708. Thursday 17 April, 10.30am–12pm (3–5 yrs) Thursday 17 April, 2–4pm Canal Clean-Up – Ashted Flight, Typhoo Wharf, (6 yrs +, younger siblings welcome) Associated Events Camp Hill Locks and Garrison Locks £4 per child, payable in advance Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April, 9.30am–3pm – FREE Cost includes refreshments IYP Presents Meet at Camp Hill, Canal & River Trust Yard, Join us during the school holidays for fun creative Saturday 22 February, 1–4pm – FREE Sampson Road North, Birmingham B11 1BG workshops as we explore the current exhibitions A regular drop-in workshop ideal for 15–19 year olds, Organised work parties make an important and make original artwork in response. Places arranged in collaboration with members of IYP. You contribution to the wellbeing of Britain’s are limited. can visit Ikon’s current exhibitions, meet IYP, take waterways. Join us for this clean-up, supported by part in a creative activity and find out more about volunteers from the Waterway Recovery Group, Book online for creative workshops at Ikon. This event is free. No need to book, just drop in. the local Inland Waterways Association Branch, www.ikon-gallery.org or call Ikon Shop on Birmingham Canal Navigations Society and staff 0121 248 0711. Celebrating Slow Boat from the Canal & River Trust. Please wear sensible Tuesday 11 March, 6.30–8pm – FREE footwear, bring waterproofs and a packed lunch. Join us for a special evening of celebration: the For more information please contact Jenny Black, culmination of Ikon’s Slow Boat (2011–2013) and [email protected] or Chris Morgan, the start of our Black Country Voyages project [email protected] / 07974 111 354. (2014–2017). After three years we look back at some of our favourite moments with IYP members and All events take place at Ikon Gallery, Brindleyplace project partners including the Canal & River Trust unless otherwise stated. and Sampad. The evening includes live music, film screenings and performance. This event is free, All events take place at Ikon Gallery unless aimed at all ages, and booking is essential. To book otherwise stated. Children should be accompanied a place email Kate Self at [email protected] or by an adult at all times. telephone 0121 248 0708. 12 Installation detail, Welcome to Iraq, The Official Pavilion of Iraq at La Biennale di Venezia, 2013. Photograph by Ricardo Enrique Bottoni, courtesy Ruya Foundation for Contemporary Culture in Iraq.

The Art of NAF Art14 London Arts Champions Saturday 1 March, 11am–3pm – FREE Ikon Elsewhere 28 February – 2 March 2014 Northfield Library, 77 Church Road Olympia Grand, Hammersmith Road Birmingham B31 2LB Kensington, London W14 8UX Ikon and Northfield Arts Forum host a day of Ikon attends Art14 London to present A Real In March 2014 Ikon concludes its three year role celebratory creative workshops, performances and Birmingham Family by Gillian Wearing; launching as Birmingham City Council’s Arts Champion for displays looking back at three years of activity in the a new limited edition poster and sculpture by Northfield and partner to Northfield Arts Forum area. Open to all ages. No need to book, just drop in. the artist, featuring the Jones family who have (NAF). In a spirit of farewell, Ikon hosts a showcase www.nafbirmingham.org.uk been selected as the subject of a new permanent surveying projects with a wide range of communities statue for the city. Art14 is the second edition of across the four wards of Weoley, Northfield, Ikon in Northfield 2011–2014 London’s global art fair, taking place at Olympia Longbridge and Kings Norton. The showcase Friday 14 March – Tuesday 18 March Grand. 180 of the world’s most exciting modern and includes original artworks and documentation from 11am–6pm – FREE contemporary galleries from 40 countries showcase Ikon projects including Post Marks, Drawing Rooms, Ikon Events Room work by over 700 artists, from emerging talents to Portrait of Frankley and Explore Northfield. A showcase of Ikon’s activity as Arts Champion for modern masters. The fair is ideal for seasoned art www.ikonnorthfield.org Northfield 2011–2014. John Myers buyers or those looking to start a collection. 33 Portraits; 14 Boring Photographs; 10 Televisions; www.artfairslondon.com From 2014 to 2017 Ikon will be Arts Champion Cultivating Culture – Local arts in Birmingham 8 Sub Stations; 6 Houses; 3 Furniture Stores and 1 Giraffe for the Yardley district of Birmingham. For more Symposium 13 February – 30 March 2014 Welcome to Iraq information or to get involved contact Emma Tuesday 18 March, 1–7pm – FREE Gallery of Photography 15 March – 1 June 2014 Bowen by email at [email protected] or Library of Birmingham, Centenary Square Meeting House Square, Dublin 2 South London Gallery telephone 0121 248 0708. Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2ND Ikon, in collaboration with the Library of Birmingham, 65–67 Peckham Road, London SE5 8UH A public symposium organised by Birmingham City showed the first major exhibition by Midlands-based Welcome to Iraq, curated by Ikon’s Director Jonathan Council with speakers from UK City of Culture 2013. artist John Myers in 2012. Comprising black and white Watkins for the Iraq Pavilion at the 2013 Venice Case studies of best practice from Birmingham, photographs made in the 1970s, including portraits Biennale, tours to the South London Gallery in Spring including Arts Champions and Arts Forums, are of individuals and families living in and around 2014. Following studio visits across Iraq, Watkins presented alongside live performance and exhibitions. Stourbridge and the Black Country, plus typological selected eleven contemporary artists to participate This symposium closes a month long showcase of studies of TV sets and a series of Boring Landscapes, in the exhibition, almost all of whom live and work work celebrating the artistic activity of the city’s this exhibition now tours to Dublin. The John Myers in the country. The exhibition includes work by residents. For more information and to book for the Archive is now held as part of the Photography cartoonist Abdul Raheem Yassir, photographer

11 Giovanni ‘Spoz’ Esposito and participants symposium visit www.birminghamculture.org Collections at The Library of Birmingham. Jamal Penjweny and painter Cheeman Ismaeel. Explore Northfield, April 2013 www.galleryofphotography.ie www.southlondongallery.org Ikon has announced our most ambitious programme Corporate of activity to date to celebrate our 50th anniversary and so there has never been a better time for your Partnerships business to work in partnership with us. There are many benefits for our corporate partners including enhanced brand awareness, discounted venue hire, employee and client engagement and networking opportunities.

We encourage businesses of all kinds to work with us and invite you to get in touch to discuss a partnership that would suit your business needs or charitable aims. For example you could sponsor “Deutsche Bank has been a supporter of Ikon for an exhibition or one of our schools, hospice or many years and it’s a partnership we’re really proud community based learning projects. of. In that time we’ve sponsored exhibitions and held special events in the galleries. Our staff and For more information on how your business could clients have always enjoyed the exclusive tours.” work in partnership with Ikon please contact Nutan Korpal, Vice President Compliance Advisory Richard Sproson on 0121 248 0708 or email Deutsche Bank [email protected].

14 Corporate networking event at Ikon Gallery, 2013

Michel François Future Ikon Pieces of evidence 30 April – 22 June 2014 The most comprehensive UK exhibition to date by Exhibitions Belgian artist Michel François. Comprising sculpture, film, paintings, prints and photography, visitors to Ikon encounter an installation of numerous pieces to be read as a whole, integrated with the entire building. And more, it asserts art and its institutions as continuous with everyday life.

Ikon Icons: Ian Emes 30 April – 22 June 2014 Continuing our celebration of the past five decades, Ian Emes is our Ikon Icon for the 1970s. Emes’ 13 Michel François masterpiece French Windows (1972), dating from his Elbows (1991) final year as a student at Birmingham Polytechnic Art Photograph and poster Courtesy the artist and Design Centre, is a visualisation of One of These and Thomas Dane Gallery, London Days, a track from Pink Floyd’s seminal Meddle album. Corporate Patrons About Ikon Find out More Thank You Deutsche Bank; EY; Glenn Howells Architects; Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Brindleyplace; Ikon is an internationally acclaimed contemporary Visitor Resource Room on the second floor is a Ikon would like to thank the following for their SACO Serviced Apartments; Wragge&Co. art venue situated in central Birmingham. Housed place for visitors to find out more about the artists invaluable support over the past 12 months in the neo-gothic Oozells Street School, it is an showing at Ikon. Filmed interviews, books and other Australian Government through the Australia Individual Patrons educational charity and works to encourage public publications give background information to the Council, its art funding and advisory body; The Adrian Bland; Simon Chapman; Patzi Haslimann; engagement with contemporary art through exhibitions. The room is also a place for families to Baring Foundation; BBC; School of Art, Birmingham Tom Jones; Stephen Pallister; Midge Skene; exhibiting new work in a context of debate and enjoy creative practical activities. City University; Birmingham Library and Archive Mr & Mrs A E Taylor. participation. Services, Birmingham City University; Edward & Gallery Tours and creative workshops are available Dorothy Cadbury Charitable Trust; W A Cadbury Friends of the Family The gallery programme features artists from to a variety of groups to get the most out of Charitable Trust; Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation; (In support of A Real Birmingham Family) around the world. A variety of media is represented, each exhibition. Call the Learning Team for more Canal & River Trust; CCE; The W E Dunn Trust; Adrian Bland and family; Associated Architects; including sound, film, mixed media, photography, information on 0121 248 0708. John Feeney Charitable Trust; The George Fentham John Crabtree; Jean Denning; Antony and Vicken painting, sculpture and installation. Birmingham Charity; Grantham Yorke Trust; The Gormley; Mark Hodgkins; Glenn Howells; David Ikon Online at www.ikon-gallery.org offers Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation; Grundtvig; Paul and Mary Lodge; Maverick TV; Paul Needham; Tim Ikon’s off-site programme develops dynamic full details of our exhibitions and events plus Hamlyn Foundation; The Henry Moore Foundation; Oldham, David and Ethne Owen; Stephen Pallister; relationships between art, artists and audiences downloadable gallery guides. Watch installation Institut Français Royaume-Uni; Japan Foundation; Midge Skene; Richard Verdi; Jonathan Watkins. outside the gallery. Projects vary enormously videos, listen to interviews with artists and browse Media Archive for Central England; Mirage in scale, duration and location, challenging the online shop for Ikon catalogues and limited Associates; The Owen Family Trust; Polish Cultural Ikon would also like to thank all those who make a expectations of where art can be seen and by whom. edition prints. Institute in London; Pro Helvetia; Programme de donation during their visit. résidences / Fondation d’entreprise Hermès; Russell Education is at the heart of Ikon’s activities, Adams Golf Academy; The Saintbury Trust; Sandwell Exhibition supporters stimulating public interest in and understanding of Access Metropolitan Borough Council; Thomas Dane Jamal Penjweny’s exhibition Saddam is Here contemporary visual art. Through a variety of talks, Gallery, London; Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company; is supported by the Ruya Foundation for tours, workshops and seminars, our Learning Team Ikon aims to be fully accessible for disabled visitors. A V.G.S. (Virtual Golf Systems: Solutions: Simulators); Contemporary Culture in Iraq. Exhibition opening aims to build dynamic relationships with audiences, wheelchair is available, a lift operates throughout the Michael Werner Gallery, New York and London. for Jamal Penjweny’s exhibition Saddam is Here is enabling visitors to engage with, discuss and reflect building and guests with guide dogs are welcome. supported by Glenn Howells Associates. David on contemporary art. There is a fitted induction loop to enhance sound Support Ikon Tremlett’s exhibition 3 Drawing Rooms is supported for visitors with hearing impairment and disabled As a charity, Ikon needs your support. We rely by The Abbey Harris Mural Fund. parking is located outside the gallery on Oozells on donations from individuals and businesses to Street. Large print versions of the Ikon bulletin and fund what we do. If you would like to support us, Project supporters exhibition guides are available on request. whether by making a donation, becoming a patron Slow Boat is supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, or leaving a legacy, visit www.ikon-gallery.org or Canal & River Trust and Sandwell Council. Ikon’s call 0121 248 0708. core Learning programme is supported by Arts Stay in Touch Connect West Midlands. Kontrast: Live Jazz at Ikon is supported by Packt. Frontiers Festival at Ikon is To join our free mailing list call 0121 248 0708 or visit supported by Arts Council England and Hotel La Tour. www.ikon-gallery.org. You can also follow Ikon on Facebook and Twitter. Facilities

Ikon Shop is Birmingham’s only specialist art bookshop, stocking a range of books and magazines on contemporary art and culture. Students receive a 10% discount (conditions apply). Shop online at www.ikon-gallery.org or call 0121 248 0711. Open during exhibition installations.

Café Opus at Ikon is a modern British café, featuring classic dishes sourced from high quality producers. Families welcome. Call 0121 248 3226 to book. Pedestrianised roads and squares Snow Hill Station

Major roads Bull Street

Suggested walking route

Colmore Row Paradise Museum and Forum Library of + Art Gallery Bus Stop 9, 10, 22, 23, 24, 29, Birmingham Central 29A, 83, 89, 120, 127, 128, 129, 140, 141, 829 Library Corporation Street

ICC REP + Victoria Square Moor High StreetStreet Symphony Hall Centenary Station Square Mainline canal New Street

Town Hall

Broad StreetHyatt Rotunda BrindleyplaceOozells Ikon Hotel Q-Park Gas Street Basin Bus Stop Selfridges 1, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24, 29, Mailbox New Street Station Bullring + Bullring 120, 126, 127, 128, 129, 140, 141

Ikon Gallery 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham b1 2hs Getting to Ikon +44 (0) 121 248 0708 / www.ikon-gallery.org www.twitter.com/ikongallery Pedestrian route from New Street train station www.facebook.com/ikongallery From New Street station walk to Chamberlain Square, then up the curved steps to the Central Opening times Library, through Paradise Forum and into Centenary Square. Bear left onto Broad Street, passing the Gallery Café Opus Ikon Shop Hyatt Hotel on the left, then turn right into Oozells Mon Closed 10am–8pm Closed Street. This walk takes approximately 15 minutes. Tues 11am–6pm 10am–8pm 10.30am–6pm Wed 11am–6pm 10am–8pm 10.30am–6pm By road Thur 11am–6pm 10am–8pm 10.30am–6pm Birmingham is accessible by the M5, M6, M40 and Fri 11am–6pm 10am–8pm 10.30am–6pm M42 motorways. Drivers should follow signs to Sat 11am–6pm 10am–8pm 10.30am–6pm Birmingham City Centre then look for the brown Sun 11am–6pm 11am–5pm 10.30am–6pm tourist signs to the International Convention Centre, National Indoor Arena, Canals and Brindleyplace. Galleries closed 22–29 April for installation of new exhibitions. Ikon is open Bank Holiday Mondays. Car and bicycle parking The nearest car park is Q-Park Brindleyplace on Ikon Gallery Limited trading as Ikon. Registered Brunswick Street (pre-book and quote IKON address: 1 Oozells Square, Birmingham b1 2hs. for 10% discount at www.q-park.co.uk/parking/ Ikon is supported using public funding by Arts birmingham/q-park-brindleyplace). Orange and Council England and Birmingham City Council. blue badge holders may park on the double yellow Registered Charity no. 528892. lines on Oozells Street in accordance with badge guidelines. There is a bicycle rack near Ikon.

Local accommodation www.birminghambrindleyplace.hgi.com Cover image: Jamal Penjweny Saddam is Here (2010) www.sacoapartments.co.uk Courtesy of the artist