Back in January when we were on retreat somebody introduced
me to Leonie Dawson’s Life and Biz Workbook. It happened to be somebody I have
respect for who suggested that I might it useful to help guide me through this
year of change and so when we got home I ordered it. I haven’t really used the
Biz part, but I have found the Life part has really helped me both refocus and
dream again. Most importantly it has encouraged me to actually do something
with my dreams rather than just throw them into the impossible box……and that’s
what led Karl and I to take a mini-break in Margate.
After making a last minute decision to go for it on Thursday
evening we arrived in Thanet on Friday night. After spending the evening with
friends we got to the Turner Contemporary bright and early on Saturday, the opening
day of the Perry exhibition which runs until September 13th . As we
made our way upstairs by this space which overlooks the sea we found ourselves
in a room full of pottery which was decorated by collaged images in many cases.
As you look at the pots and their decoration, which as with a lot of Perry’s
work mixes social comment, history and cultural icons, I would argue there are
a couple of reactions the first is to take it earnestly and the second is
simply to laugh at the humour in it and enjoy. Karl and I went for the latter,
although there might have been a bit of the former creeping in. It is
accessible and fun and that is something that some of us appreciate about Perry’s
work. Going round art galleries is often an earnest affair a bit like going
round a library where there are expected reactions it seems you are meant to
give. Yet, at it’s very best art can make you want to laugh as much as it makes
you want to scream or cry and this is what this exhibition does.
Going round the Perry exhibition was fun on one level
because there were so many little bits you could identify with (such as on one
etched map where there were so many identity groups mentioned you couldn’t fail
to fall into at least one group). It also had a lot to say too though about all
sorts of things and that’s the point about Perry’s work the more you look the
more you are actually made to think. It might seem obvious and full of
statements but the detail leads you on your own journey of thoughts and at time
memories.
As I’ve already indicated one of the great things about Grayson Perry’s work is
that it is so accessible. As with the recent exhibition at the National Gallery
(a couple of works from which were included in this one) this one was free to
access. In terms of what this meant in practice as we wandered round is that
there were more kids around. One small person was being led along beside a
tapestry with their parent helping them identify which brands they knew named
on there. Another was sat down in front of one of the tapestries discussing
about what they thought the pictures on there were. As we were walking out a
couple came in with their Morrison’s bag something we’ve never seen at the TateModern so this art might be, according to the Guardian journalist, too obvious
but what it does is allow kids and parents to engage with it on one level
whilst adults can take it in on another. I’d take that any day over stuff which
is so obscure you can’t engage with it.
Before we left the gallery we noticed Grayson Perry himself
wandering about, the artist’s presence is something I also haven’t seen too
often at the Tate. That said not everything is different about this gallery.
Just like the Tate it is possible to get a really tasty scone with jam and
cream to wash down with a pot of Earl Grey. It made an enjoyable morning snack
in Margate.
We also enjoyed the CCCU exhibition The Presence of Absence on
at the Pie Factory until 26th May. It was showcasing the work of
second year photography students. The work seemed to fit the location it was
being shown in well. I particularly enjoyed Hayley Lindridge-Morgan’s Lucky
which was part of her “Reconciliation” series. It had was a series of portraits
of people with their treasures and was accompanied by a sound commentary of the
subjects talking about their items.
Lisa Beer’s A which was shots of women at work in male
dominated occupations fitted well with the worn industrial setting. The blurb
outlined how her work has looked at sexism, feminism and equality. The images
were striking and empowering and I would be interested in seeing more of her
work in due course. Alicia Mellon’s Degeneration was cleverly framed within a
disguarded old door and she is another emerging artist I would be interested in
seeing more of in the future.
Both gallery’s are part of the emerging Margate which MaryPortas sought to help regenerate as is The Greedy Cow where we a really tasty
lunch. I am not sure how much the regeneration will work as at the moment it
seems to be a gentrification occurring working out from one small corner of
town but it was good to visit. The place which seemed most to exemplify the old
and the new Margate was the Pilgrim Hospice bookshop located in the old Lloyds
Bank building. The charity shops are a fixture in Thanet’s seaside towns but
this had a bit more class than your average. Karl was thrilled it provided both
ties and books whilst I was more than happy to have picked up a signed copy of
Portas’ Shop Girl a Memoir for a bargain price.
The Margate Museum outlined what might be holding back part
of the regeneration though. This building was very much located in a past age.
Run by some hardworking and clearly enthusiastic volunteers it was clear that
this was based around the island mentality of why change the way we always do
things. It would be great if this museum could somehow hook up with the gallery
which is a stones-throw away and become invigorated with new life.
So is Margate the place for a mini-break? Well, to be honest
probably not…..but it is worth a visit. If you wanted to go for the mini-break
option I would recommend you stay in Canterbury and take a day trip out to
explore what Margate, Broadstairs and maybe Herne Bay and Whitstable have to
offer whilst you’re there. If in Canterbury I’d recommend Boho on the High Street as a place to
eat….absolutely wonderful café with a lovely garden area.
If anybody is interested in knowing more about the workbook which sort of prompted the adventure please see the Leonie Dawson You Tube Clip below:
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