Spacex was a contemporary art organisation, located in Exeter, between 1974 and 2017.[1] It was founded in 1974 by John Butler as an artist co-operative.[2] Its programme spanned installations, performance, photography, sculpture, painting, film and video. Its learning programme focused on helping visitors of all ages to explore and engage with contemporary art.
 Spacex, Exeter | |
 | |
| Established | 1974 |
|---|---|
| Dissolved | 2017 |
| Type | Contemporary art organisation |
| Curator | Tom Trevor, Nicola Hood, Kathy Norris, Hannah Reeves |
| Website | spacex |
Spacex ceased activity at the end of 2017 with the formal closure of the charity.[3]
Origin and aims
editSpacex was located in a converted 19th century warehouse,[4] midway between Exeter Cathedral and Exeter quayside. It was established in 1974 by an artists’ co-operative. The original purpose was to offer affordable studio and exhibition space to local artists. In the early 1990s, Spacex became a registered charity[5] and a publicly funded space showing contemporary art free of charge.[6]
Collaboration was at the heart of Spacex. The gallery's role in working with innovative local, national and international artists has been recognised by the Arts Council. Historically Spacex has put on 5-6 exhibitions a year, but in the 2010s it began to adopt a more diverse approach which includes more events and more flexible use of the space by artists.[7]
Learning programme and events
editSpacex' programme encouraged engagement with the latest developments in contemporary art through commissions, projects and activities.[8][9] Work also took place outside of 45 Preston St through artist-led projects, events and research.[10][11] In addition to organising events such as these, Spacex had a significant learning programme, working with students of all ages from local schools and further/higher education institutions.[12]
Selected artists
edit- Sean Lynch: The Weight of the World 14 May-2 July 2016.
- Mathew Sawyer: White Male, 36 Years Old, Average Height, No Pets, Out of Shape and Anxious, 17 May–12 July 2014.
- Scott King: De-Regeneration, 4 October–22 November 2014.
- Anne Eggebert, Matthias Einhoff, David Ferrando Giraut, Polly Gould, Marja Helander, Uta Kogelsberger, Abigail Reynolds, Almut Rink, Emily Speed and Louise K Wilson - Topophobia (2012) [13]
- Blast Theory (2011). Bless Practice.[14][15]
- Salvatore Arancio (2011). An Arrangement of the Materials Ejected.[16]
- Paul Rooney (artist) – Bellevue (2009) [17][18]
- Random Acts of Art (2010).[19]
- Theo Jansen (2010). Ventosa Siamesis.[20][21]
- Emily Wardill (2009). Game Keepers Without Game.[22][23][24]
- Simon Pope (2009). Carved From Memory.[25]
- Laura Kikauka (2009). Celebration of Failure.[26]
- Andre Stitt (2008). Substance [27]
- Christiane Baumgartner (2008). Solaris [28]
- Geoffrey Farmer – The Last 2 Million Years (2008) [29]
- Dawn Mellor (2006). Vile Affections.[30]
- Mika Taanila (2005). Hotel Futuro [31]
- Phyllida Barlow (2005). Scape.[32]
References
edit- ^ Jemima Laing. "BBC - Small is beautiful for two Devon art galleries". BBC News. London: BBC. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
- ^ "Spacex Gallery". www.artbiogs.co.uk. Retrieved 24 March 2019.
- ^ "SPACEX LIMITED - Overview (Free company information from Companies House)".
- ^ "Spacex, Exeter : Nick Gilbert Scott - Architect / Designer, Exeter, Devon". nickgilbertscott.com. 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
- ^ Source: [1] Spacex charity framework and trustees
- ^ Source:[2] Art places directory
- ^ Source: [3] Working with contemporary art - Nicola Hood
- ^ Project report: [4] Public Art Online, Autumn 2000 - Homing: Projects for Kosovo
- ^ Case study: [5] Drawing in Action
- ^ Review: [6] Interface, June 2011 - The Recipe Exchange project by Dr Stephen Riley
- ^ Website: [7] The Recipe Exchange & Gallery as Community - Helen Pritchard
- ^ Website: [8] Art on your doorstep - Spacex educational programme
- ^ Topophobia Review: [9] Frieze 17/06/2012
- ^ Blast Theory Review: [10] Interface, December 2011
- ^ Blast Theory Review: [11] Country calling, December 2011
- ^ Salvatore Arancio Review: [12] The Guardian, November 2011
- ^ Paul Rooney Review: [13] Culture24, 19/10/2010
- ^ Paul Rooney Review: [14] Art rabbit, October 2010
- ^ Random Acts of Art Review: [15] BBC Devon, 15/4/2010
- ^ Theo Jansen Review: [16] Culture24, May 2010
- ^ Theo Jansen Review: [17] BBC Devon, 24/6/2010
- ^ Emily Wardill Review: [18] Frieze, January 2010
- ^ Emily Wardill Review: [19] Interface, January 2010
- ^ Emily Wardill Review: [20] ArtsCulture, December 2009
- ^ Simon Pope Review: [21] BBC Devon, May 2009
- ^ Laura Kikauka Preview: [22] The Guardian, 7/3/2009
- ^ Andre Stitt Review: [23] The Guardian, 23/10/2008
- ^ Christiane Baumgartner Preview: [24] The Guardian, December 2008
- ^ Geoffrey Farmer Review: "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 24 February 2011. Retrieved 15 November 2010.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) Frieze, January 2008 - ^ Dawn Mellor Review: [25] Artcornwall, March 2006
- ^ Mika Taanila Review: [26] Art daily, June 2005
- ^ Phyllida Barlow Review: [27] Art daily, May 2005
External links
edit- Culture24 entry
- Bing attractions entry
- List of exhibitions, projects and events at Spacex since 2002