On the Waltzers, Elisa Sallis and Ella Matthews a.k.a ELLSQUARED
The Town is the Gallery, Convenience Pop Up @ Former M&S
“‘On The Waltzers’, an interactive and immersive arts installation created by artist and curator duo ELLSQUARED that will open Convenience Gallery’s 2024 TTITG program.
The artists evoke nostalgia for the British everyday experience, from a mini golf course, now to a fun fair. The viewers are invited to participate in a series of classic fair games for the chance to win hand-crafted prizes made by the artists with the intention of exploring how exhibitions can be more accessible and how the audience can obtain artwork through play.
From tufted teddy bears to felt cigarettes, a homage to Hull Fair, ‘On The Waltzers’ implores the viewer to not only engage with the installation but to become a part of the work itself.
This is ELLSQUARED’s first exhibition of 2024 and will once again subvert the white cube gallery experience and how a sense of levity and tongue-in-cheek approach to their respective practices elevate not only the craft and ‘everyday’ dialogue they hold dearly, but also what is considered high and low art and how they play with the viewer within their work.”
About:
They are a visual artist and curatorial duo who combine two minds to create kitsch and gaudy art that breaches white cube assumptions of how art should be perceived. They accomplish this by transforming the gallery experience into a public-engaged, inclusive, and levity-filled experience using craft and textile methods of creation. Working together for over 4 years, they have completed a number residencies, the most recent at The Bridewell Studios and Gallery. Ell-squared has partnered on 10 exhibitions in total to create shows that are publicly engaging and challenge the gallery experience. Their exhibition portfolio ranges from self-initiated shows to large-scale open calls involving national and international artists. They provide a level of care to all parties involved while also bringing a fresh viewpoint to what they develop next.
Exhibition has been documented by Benjamin Nuttall.
Browse full exhibition document here - to request further photography of exhibit please contact conveniencegallery@outlook.com
See more from Elisa & Ella at their instagrams:
https://www.instagram.com/ellmttws/
https://www.instagram.com/leeleepants/
Exhibition is a part of Convenience Gallery, The Town is the Gallery. Curated & Produced with Andrew Shaw & Ryan Gauge, with thanks to Les Weston, Wirral Council, East Street Arts & Kindred LCR. Borough of Culture 2024.
