The Baltic is playing host to the political and cinematic art works of John Akomfrah. He accounts the life of Charles "Buddy" Bolden, a key African American figure in the history of jazz music, and the emotive story of Jamaican born political activist Stuart Hall. With the use of three large scale installations, his piece 'Ballasts of Memory' provide three film montages reflecting the culture and experiences of the black diaspora in the UK. Yet even without context, Akomfrah's work is still something fascinating to witness.
"This exhibition is like stepping into your own cartoon as Peter's style of art brings illustrations to life."
Mick Peter provides a more light-hearted exhibition with his piece 'To Me, To You' which undermines the authority of traditional sculpture in art. This exhibition is like stepping into your own cartoon as Peter's style of art brings illustrations to life. You feel like a comic book drawing yourself and it is a feeling you never knew you needed to experience and it is something I highly recommend.
Along with the incredible view of Newcastle on the top floor over the balcony, the Baltic is definitely worth a visit to really shake off those impending deadlines and get in touch with those artistic and creative vibes we all need to do once in a while.