Exhibitions
Mark Samsworth - Showdown
In Test Space’s final show at Spike Island Mark Samsworth makes transparent the hidden machinations of the art institution.
The exhibition takes the form of a display of documents arising from Spike Island’s protracted internal review process and the artist’s subsequent eviction from his place of work. Alongside these works are responses, images and texts informed by a critique of the pitfalls of philanthrocapitalism.
Mark Samsworth is an artist, curator and educator working across disciplines. His working methodology is concerned with hierarchies, mythology, the underdog and expediency. The humble natures of some materials reflect ecological concerns and ideas of value and welfare. Collections, comparisons and writing are important as ongoing research tools to reflect an ever-evolving cultural discourse. Collaboration and open participation are important parts of his practice.
For the last six years he has been a joint coordinator/curator of Test Space, an artist-run exhibiting space within the Spike Island studio complex that promotes the work of regional and national artists. He is a former programme lead for Fine Art at Bristol School of Art, and is a contributor to East Bristol Contemporary’s Night School.
Projects in 2020 include: Bring Your Own Beamer at Centre of Gravity, Bristol; Connection with the University for the Creative Arts; and Something Orange with Test Space. Samsworth has shown moving image work at Kosar Contemporary, Bristol and participated in the Goonhilly Village Green Project, Cornwall (2019) and the Multiverse Summit, Eastside Projects, Birmingham (2018). Future intentions include Art Licks Weekend London; the development of a web-based gallery – A Flat in the City and the exploration of alternative strategies for making and showing
Mark Samsworth is an artist, curator and educator working across disciplines. His working methodology is concerned with hierarchies, mythology, the underdog and expediency. The humble natures of some materials reflect ecological concerns and ideas of value and welfare. Collections, comparisons and writing are important as ongoing research tools to reflect an ever-evolving cultural discourse. Collaboration and open participation are important parts of his practice.
For the last six years he has been a joint coordinator/curator of Test Space, an artist-run exhibiting space within the Spike Island studio complex that promotes the work of regional and national artists. He is a former programme lead for Fine Art at Bristol School of Art, and is a contributor to East Bristol Contemporary’s Night School.
Projects in 2020 include: Bring Your Own Beamer at Centre of Gravity, Bristol; Connection with the University for the Creative Arts; and Something Orange with Test Space. Samsworth has shown moving image work at Kosar Contemporary, Bristol and participated in the Goonhilly Village Green Project, Cornwall (2019) and the Multiverse Summit, Eastside Projects, Birmingham (2018). Future intentions include Art Licks Weekend London; the development of a web-based gallery – A Flat in the City and the exploration of alternative strategies for making and showing
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