A SERIES of images of a breast cancer patient is among work by six Bradford artists being shown on the city centre’s Big Screen over the next two months.
The artists, which include a sculptor and jewellery designer, are showcased on Bradford Big Screen in Centenary Square daily at 12.30pm throughout March and April as part of a presentation called Artist’s Choice. The project is organised by Bradford City of Film with Not Just Hockney, a website profiling local artists past and present.
The six Big Screen artists are documentary photographer Nudrat Afza, Charlotte Whitmore, who designs jewellery, Andy Shaw, a sculptor of mainly recycled metal, ceramics artist Dianne Cross, multimedia artist Jess Kid and oil painter Ian Middleton.
Curator Colin Neville said: “The presentations will highlight the marvellous range of visual artists in the district. The last 12 months has been a tough time for freelance workers, particularly artists, as exhibition spaces and galleries have closed. Looking at local artwork outdoors on the Big Screen is a safe option at present. This presentation is also a reminder that local artists are still out there working; their artwork is a big part of their identity.
“I hope too that illustrating the variety of art talent locally will support Bradford’s bid to be UK City of Culture in 2025. If we win the bid the creativity in the area, including visual arts, will be showcased to the world, and will be a big economic and morale boost for the whole district.”
Nudrat Afza is a self-taught photographer who for documents Bradford life. She said: “This has included female football fans, worshippers at Bradford Synagogue, and recently the dedicated work of nursing and care staff at Bradford Royal Infirmary. My photographs on the Big Big Screen illustrate some of the stages of illness and treatment of my sister, Sairah, who has cancer.”
Andy Shaw said: “I’m inspired by reclaimed and recycled metal and have been making Bits and Bolts Art for over 20 years. I create sculptures working with a range of materials, but favour reusable metal and scrap items. I like to contrast the fluidity of nature and animal life with the rigidity of metal components.”
Charlotte Whitmore designs and makes contemporary mixed-media jewellery. “I work predominantly in silver, incorporating other materials such as vintage plastics and glass to add colour,” she said. “Inspiration comes from grasses, wildflowers and sculptural seed heads in hedgerows and towpaths near my home. These translate well into jewellery, and have led to statement brooches and pendants.”
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