RENDERING VISIBLE:CONTEMPORARY ART FROM BENIN
16th November ~ January 27th, 2001

Benin is known as the 'cradle of voodoo.' This exhibition, following that of contemporary art from Haiti, highlighted both the traditional art of Benin still surviving into the present, and the many exciting young artists who are starting to forge impressive reputations abroad, with work that includes everything from masks made from recycled jerry-cans to disturbing but highly emotive installations utilising discarded dolls.

NEWS FROM THE FRONT: THE TRANSVANGARDE IN 2001
NEW WORKS BY ARTISTS FROM THE TRANS-CULTURAL AVANT-GARDE
25th January - 24th February, 2001

This exhibition provided a platform for a truly international dialogue by juxtaposing outstanding cutting-edge artworks by artists from Africa, Asia, Australia, the Americas Europe and the Middle East.

XU ZHONGMIN: TIDAL WAVE
LARGE-SCALE WOODCUTS AND CARVED PRINTING BLOCKS
1st March- 24th March, 2001

Xu Zhongmin moved from China to England in 1992 and has been the recipient of many prestigious awards. Much of his work is a reflection of the vibrancy and noise of modern cities, where architecture and people intermingle to form dynamic cityscapes.

CONTEMPORARY ART OF THE KHOI-SAN OF SOUTHERN AFRICA 29th March- 12th May, 2001
An exhibition of highly expressive paintings and strikingly simple linocuts, which combine reality and dream to tell of the life and worldview of the Khoi-san people of Southern Africa. This exhibition will introduce to the UK the work of artists of one of the most ancient of all peoples but present it as another expression of contemporary culture.

More information and Articles about San Peoples.

LEGENDS OF THE RV HERACLITUS:
An Exhibition of Photographs and Paintings Celebrating the extraordinary voyages of the Research Vessel Heraclitus.
16th May - 16th June, 2001
This exhibition traces the path of the RV Heraclitus from its launch in 1975 through to its Planetary Coral Reef and Cultures Expedition (2000 - 2010). The exhibition is accompanied by an educational programme introducing local school-children to life aboard ocean-going vessels and current concerns relating to the marine environment and ecology.

Further information.

ABLADE GLOVER - NEW WORKS
OILS BY THE RENOWNED ARTIST FROM GHANA
20th June - 28th July, 2001

Glover's painting encompasses a wide range of subjects, but all reveal his passion for activity and colour. Using warm pigments reminiscent of the sun and heat of his country, he depicts vibrant scenes of Ghanaian life - the brightly attired crowds, the bustling market stalls, the whole exuberant variety of Africa today.

Further information.

KOUMY:
Contemporary Art from Togo
13th September - 6th October, 2001

The artist, Koumy, was born in Lomé, the capital of Togo, West Africa, in 1961. This exhibition represents Koumy’s first ever showing at the October Gallery and the first major presentation of his work in Britain.

Further information.

ELISABETH LALOUSCHEK:
New Pastels and Paintings
10th October - 10th November, 2001

Drawing upon the riches of her long exposure to art from around the world, Elisabeth Lalouschek moulds the resultant energy into explosive and highly coloured compositions on canvas.

Further information.

Double Scoop!
Wavy Gravy: His Blues Period and Beyond
&
The Art of Jerry Garcia
14th November - 26th January, 2002

Flashing on the Sixties' American 'counterculture.' Collages and Prints from the 'Blues Period' of one of America's most original minds together with screenprints by another 'legend,' the former leader of the Grateful Dead. Artworks by the artists are complemented by photographs of the pair by Lisa Law.

Further information.