Street Eyes Exhibition, curated by Micah Purnell at Chatham Mill

Micah Purnell will bring indoors over 30 pieces from the last decade of his celebrated Add-Art project, which showcases global art and design on purpose built sites across Manchester.

The show titled Street Eyes will exhibit work from some of the biggest names in world illustration, typography and photography, including illustrators; Matt Blease, Supermundane and Stanley Chow, typographers; Anthony Burrill, Gemma O’Brien and Dave Towers, and photographers; Anna Devís and Daniel Rueda, Yener Torun and many more.

“Once I became aware that advertising held an aesthetic monopoly on commercial space I wanted to get involved and mix it up a bit, rather than having to see something that plays on your emotions to get to your pocket, we can offer something light, and easy on the eyes, mind and soul” says Micah.

Artist and graphic designer Micah Purnell, the mastermind behind Add Art, which has now tripled in size, has been curating outdoor print projects with a mission to provide a public canvas to support artists and help to offer an uplifting visual narrative for passersby.

‘The ethos is simple’, says Micah ‘offer a cheery tone to peoples day’s, using the humour, beauty and humanity found in the revealing, curious and clever work of artists and designers who see life in illuminating ways’

The exhibition also celebrates the construction of it’s latest outdoor gallery and three newly installed exhibits including Sarah Boris’ brilliantly clever ‘Subverting the Rainbow’ piece at Chatham Mill, Oxford Rd, Al Maser’s stunning expressive abstract painting ‘Compass’ at our new site; The Giving Tree, Whitworth Park, and David Towers’ skillfully fun and hand painted type piece ‘Nope’ at the Mustard Tree, Ancoats.

Micah notes “Add Art’s values are about high quality, local and global art, of varying disciplines, mostly hopeful visuals, amidst the difficulty of day to day life. The works are gentle, friendly, and fun, they may say everything, and nothing at all, with a sprinkling of social critique and a good dose of wit and charm.”

To mark the occasion Epiphany, a creative musical improvisation ensemble, will respond to some of the artworks with live music. They will also play a number of ‘Sound Sketches’ for attendees, alongside their favourite artwork. ‘Sound Sketches’, offer an opportunity to experience an impression of your individuality, through improvised music, a little like having your portrait painted, but with music. These are often very moving.

Most of the artworks on show will be available to buy on the night to support and continue the work of providing a canvas for artists and free art city dwellers.

30 of works will be available to buy on the night in order to further support Add-Art’s cause.

The free exhibition is taking place for one night only at Chatham Mill, formerly M-One Studios, at 8 Lower Ormond St, M1 5QF.