A solo exhibition by Alex Billingham exploring how people outside of the white, cis male category survive in a post Brexit, post-apocalyptic world.
With supporting performances aimed at LGBTQ+ and BAME audiences Ashes to Ashes is open every Wednesday to Saturday from 01/09/18 – 15/09/18, 12.00 – 16.00 each day. The audience is invited to engage in discussion about a variety of issues as the artist creates and add crystals to the exhibition, with each day culminating in experimental filming.
Ashes to Ashes is a provocative visual exhibition containing future minerals – sculptural pieces exploring how pollution and nuclear fallout might evolve and mutate geology – made by combining crystal growth, drag make-up, bottle caps and other waste and exploring how environmental waste may survive and adapt post nuclear war. A life-sized replica shell of first atomic bomb ‘Little Boy’ (now retitled Little Boi) hangs in the middle of the gallery, dominating the space and being utilized during performances alongside a visually rickety hut dedicated to the fostering of discussion and manufacture of future minerals. An accompanying film documents the creative process while the gallery windows are also altered, covered with coloured film. While open to the public this filters the sunlight, allowing daylight to directly alter the work. At night this becomes a glowing, ominous beacon.
Visitors can join in 2 STEAM family friendly workshops, Crystal Growing and Build A Little Little Boi.
There are 2 performances, 31st August (opening night) and 7th Sep (Digbeth First Friday).