Norman Gosney returns to Bristol with a fresh exhibition

Norman Gosney returns to Bristol with a fresh exhibition

Posted on: 11 Sep 2024

The acclaimed artist and designer is returning to his hometown of Bristol to debut his latest art show, titled ‘Triggerines & Sentimentos’.

 

Norman Gosney’s ‘Triggerines & Sentimentos’ runs at THE PIT, Totterdown from Thursday 19 until Saturday 21 September 2024.

 

Taking over Bristol’s latest gallery space in Totterdown, art lovers are being offered a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary art. The show explores the enduring allure of small figurines, from the ancient “Venus of Willendorf” to modern-day pop culture icons and the enchantment miniatures hold.

 

For more information about the exhibition and the Private View, email here.

Norman Gosney’s work examines the sentimental statuettes that once decorated the mantlepieces and walls of generations, reflecting deep-seated attitudes. His latest exhibition re-contextualises these familiar figures, updating them to reflect contemporary sensibilities while retaining the original charm.

 

Gosney’s artistic process involves recycling figurines found in dumpsters, jumble sales and charity shops. He offers new interpretations of old dialogues, reinventing icons with discarded likenesses of characters from comics, advertising and even Disney.

 

Born and raised in Redland, Gosney has enjoyed worldwide success as a designer, nightclub operator, artist and performer. In the 60s and 70s, Bristol served as an incubator for creative endeavours, ranging from rock bands to graphic design, and theatre to local politics.

 

In the late 70s, Gosney relocated to New York, where he became a prominent figure in the nightlife scene. His career later expanded to cities such as Tokyo, Munich and Miami and he also served as Art Director for Marvel Comics. In the early 90s, he returned to Manhatten, opening The Slipper Room, the first modern Burlesque club.

 

His adventures continued in Shanghai where, alongside his partner Amelia Kallman, he opened Chinatown, the country's first Neo-Vaudeville nightclub. Their experiences are detailed in Kallman's award-winning memoir, Diary of a Shanghai Showgirl.

Norman Gosney’s ‘Triggerines & Sentimentos’ runs at THE PIT, Totterdown from Thursday 19 until Saturday 21 September 2024.

 

THE PIT is located at 101 Wells Road, Bushy Park, Bristol and the exhibition opening times are as follows: 6 PM – 9 PM on Thursday, 6 PM – 9 PM on Friday, and 7 PM – 10 PM on Saturday.

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Article by:

Stanley Gray

Stan is a born and bred Bristolian, recently graduated from studying English Literature in Sheffield. His passions are music and literature and he spends the majority of his time in venues all over the city, immersing himself in Bristol’s alternative music scene. A lifelong Bristol City fan, Stan’s Saturdays are spent watching his team both home and away.