Whipps gives Longbridge a damn good thrashing with Fawlty new exhibition
Birmingham photographer and contemporary artist Stuart Whipps has unveiled his latest public art exhibition in the city.
The Kipper and The Corpse, which runs until April 21, showcases a collection of research and projects he has created since 2014 as part of his artist residency with Longbridge Public Art Project, run by Birmingham arts organisation WERK.
The exhibition title is taken from an episode of Fawlty Towers, where harassed hotel owner Basil Fawlty rants in response to a strike at car manufacturer British Leyland.
Whipps’ exhibition brings together, for the first time, a series of works created as part of his long-term residency in a project that has, over the last five years, invited a number of both Birmingham-based and international artists to explore the significant heritage of the site, within the ongoing regeneration of the former car factory site.
The exhibition includes a wealth of research and temporary and permanent work developed over the last few years in relation to the restoration of a 1979 Mini 1275 GT; one of the largest projects the artist has undertaken to date.
Whipps said: “The exhibition consists of various elements from my research over the last few years. The work includes formal photographs of the car parts from the ongoing restoration of the 1979 Mini; a live performance; a film of ex-Longbridge worker Keith Woodfield restoring the Mini’s engine, and audio recordings of members of the community reciting from the vast amount of colours that were created at Longbridge car factory, spanning decades of the manufacturing process.
“The exhibition also includes sobering undertones of a turbulent history that is still very present today, such as (the) Fawlty Towers scene and a 48-sheet sized indoor billboard with a hand drawn, infamous cartoon depiction of British Leyland workers which highlights the notorious power and influence that the media yield in our perception of a situation, or moment in time.”
Whipps first made work in Longbridge in 2004 while he was studying for a degree in photography at the University of Wolverhampton. Having graduated in 2005, he began photographing the Longbridge plant following its closure. His photographs were awarded The Observer Hodge Award in 2006.
The 36-year-old’s work has gone on to be recognised nationally, with the British Art Show (which happens only once every five years), selecting the artist to be a part of it.
Claire Farrell, Director at WERK said: “Working in conjunction with a wide range of artists, partners, local groups and individuals, has enabled us to produce a project that is about the history, transformation, social capital and (re)creation of Longbridge.
“It is also a project, perhaps most importantly, for Longbridge. Sculpture, collage, photography, drawing, and more performative walks and interventions have been presented for the past few years in public spaces, gallery exhibitions and as part of the Longbridge Light Festival. Workshops, talks, events and discussions have supported participation and the expansion of ideas.”
Collaborations between the WERK team, artists, community groups and Longbridge residents, including several key former plant employees who are involved with LPAP’s work on many levels, have been nurtured.
“It is in this exchange that the huge value of Longbridge’s heritage is being uncovered. This is living history,” she added.
The Kipper and The Corpse exhibition has been commissioned by WERK as part of the Longbridge Public Art Project (LPAP), and is open at LPAP| Space, every Thursday to Sunday from 11am-4pm, until April 21.
