There’s a new collective on the scene. During their studies at Newcastle College, four illustration students have started a collective with force. Their first show, held on 11 February, focused on love and relationships.
The event was happily stocked with the best alcohol a student budget could offer: box wine and Lambrini. And I honestly could not have asked for anything better. The whole exhibition was filled with exceptional representations of various bodies, and a menagerie of genders presentations. Having attended other previews of art shows, I’ve seen that it can often be difficult to strike the balance between good art and good atmosphere. However, although this was the first installation this collective had organised, they managed to create an environment which felt like they had been exhibiting their entire lives. It was clear that everyone in attendance felt like they were in a very safe space, as the gallery was filled with lots of laughter and conversation.
"I wanted to show expressionate and bright characters within a romantic and vulnerable setting"-Phil Hughes
Featuring as guest artist to the collective, Sphyfro started the show with a live painting performance which represented two forms kissing. Sadly I missed this portion of the evening, but word reached me of its impressive nature - so this artist is clearly one to be reckoned with.
In a conversation with one of the collective, Phil Hughes, he had this to say about his own work and the collective.
“In my work, I like to focus on characters and use more cartoonish elements within the visuals. My context is always outlandish and edgy, and I love the stark contrast between the two. In particular, the pieces I created for this Valentines themed Exhibition, where I wanted to show expressionate and bright characters within a romantic and vulnerable setting. I showed a range of different people confident with who they are, the felt crafted couple were especially comfortable with themselves and each others bodies. This exhibition was held by me and three other students under the name “A Canny Collective”. We all took our unique perspective to the holiday and visualised it within our own styles. The ebb was a hit and I look forward to what we do together in the future.”
To keep up with this collective, hit them up on Instagram @acannycollective, or to keep up with them as indivudual creators they can be found on Instagram @vonfrankenstank, @nosticart, @witchita_art, and @ahrow_arts.