CELEBRATING MANCHESTER PRIDE THROUGH ART

As part of Manchester Pride, we proudly collaborated with Smolensky Gallery, to curate a FREE outdoor exhibition, titled ‘OTHER’, celebrating queer artistry in Spinningfields. We had the pleasure of speaking with Joe Wilson, the gallery owner, to gain insight into the significance of this exhibition and his perspective on queer art. Here’s what he shared:

Q. What does it mean to you personally to curate an outdoor exhibition in celebration of Manchester Pride?

This was my first involvement with an outdoor exhibition, and I was genuinely thrilled by the opportunity. I’ve always loved the idea of making art open and accessible to everyone at all times. Given that this exhibition was focused on Pride, it was particularly exciting to collaborate with queer artists and curators. Bringing together a diverse team to celebrate the Manchester queer community has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

Q. How do you define queer art, and what makes it distinct from other forms of artistic expression?

To me, queer art is defined by its strong, purposeful voice – a community that has something significant to stand for and communicate. Unlike mainstream media, which often dilutes subversive messages, queer art maintains a powerful, clear message about identity and experience. It’s about expressing truths that are often overlooked or misunderstood by broader societal narratives.

Q. What do you hope visitors will take away from this exhibition in terms of understanding and connecting with queer art and identities?

Manchester is renowned for its vibrant Pride celebrations and has played a crucial role in the history of queer liberation, as highlighted in Jez Dolan’s piece ‘CHE’, featured in our exhibition. I hope visitors reflect on our city’s rich history, consider how far we’ve come and question whether we are still as committed to the fight for liberation as we once were.

Q. What piece of art from the outdoor exhibition resonates with you the most, and why?

This question is best answered from the perspectives of all three of us who curated the exhibit. Here are our thoughts:

Joe Wilson: ‘Minos’ by Asche Escher

‘Minos’ by Asche Escher resonates with me deeply. The piece embodies strength, a quality that feels especially important today. While the empowerment depicted in the work may not be directly relatable to me, its sense of empowerment is contagious and inspires me to be more confident and self-assured.

Abigail Chetham: ‘Susanna’ by Evita Ziemele

For Abigail Chetham, ‘Susanna’ by Evita Ziemele is profoundly moving. The artwork depicts a woman’s suffering under the male gaze, a narrative that particularly impacts queer women. The piece’s roots in deuterocanonical Christian texts add another layer of personal significance for Abigail, who identifies as a rare Christian within the queer community. The focus on Susanna as an individual, rather than through the lens of men, is deeply meaningful to her as a woman navigating a heteronormative society.

Garry Martin: ‘You Get Excited Too’ by Smart Barnett

Garry Martin finds ‘You Get Excited Too’ by Smart Barnett particularly compelling. As a fan of Barnett’s work, Garry appreciates the combination of digital imagery and embroidery in this piece. It explores the excitement of setting up a date or hook-up, capturing the thrill and uncertainty of those experiences. This theme resonates with Garry, reminding him of his own experiences with anticipation and expectation.

Q. What do you think are the most important themes being explored by queer artists today?

I’m hesitant to pinpoint a singular “most important” theme, but I am particularly drawn to the work of Jez Dolan. His art, which revisits archives to highlight the history of queer liberation in the UK and Manchester, has inspired me to delve into the history of gay communities, including intriguing aspects like the Polari language.

Q. Where does your passion for art come from?

My passion for art is rooted in my love for visual aesthetics. I derive immense joy and energy from art and find beauty in its various forms. Growing up in a family of designers, I developed a deep appreciation for both contemporary and antique art. Art, to me, is about creating something from nothing – an experience I find magical and inspiring.

Q. What drew you to the gallery side of the art world?

I’ve always enjoyed buying and selling artwork, and transitioning into the gallery side of the art world felt like a natural step. I see myself more as an art dealer than a gallerist, though the gallery provides an excellent platform for meeting new artists and introducing collectors to unique pieces. I’m passionate about making art accessible and helping people build collections that bring beauty into their lives.

Q. How would you describe the art scene in Manchester?

The art scene in Manchester is truly amazing. It’s evolving into a vibrant hub for artists from around the world, similar to the trajectory London was on 5-10 years ago. I feel privileged to be part of this dynamic community and am excited about the future.

Q. What is your process for selecting art and artists to feature in your gallery? What do you look for most?

My process for selecting art is quite intuitive. I attend numerous shows, discover new artists through platforms like Instagram, and receive many submissions directly. If a piece resonates with me, I make space for it in the gallery. This approach is always evolving, and I look forward to introducing even more artists in the future.

Q. What is your favourite piece from the Smolensky gallery? Tell us a little bit about it.

Currently, my favourite piece in the gallery is ‘Heterosexuality – A Growing Menace’ in Silver by Jez Dolan. This work, based on a magazine published in Manchester during the 70s and 80s, tells a fascinating historical story. I find it visually striking and thought-provoking, prompting reflection on how minority communities were established and sustained.

Q. What would we find on the walls of your home?

My collection is constantly evolving. Recently, I’ve added a Japanese ET poster, a Louise Giovanelli print titled ‘Prairie’ in a walnut frame, an Iain H Williams piece called ‘Present Tense II’, and a work from Liam Hopkins’ ‘Re-Birthed’ series. I enjoy regularly updating my collection as I acquire new pieces.

Q. Who are your top three favourite artists?

Choosing just three is difficult! However, Jean Dubuffet and Kandinsky are definitely among my favourites. For the third artist, I’ll keep it under wraps for now – there’s a Manchester artist I’m keen to acquire work from as they rise in prominence.

Q. What’s the first piece of art you ever bought, and do you still have it?

The first piece I bought was ‘Adidas Shoe’, a rather unappealing painting from Affleck’s Palace when I was about 12. Despite its lack of aesthetic appeal, I still remember the excitement of that purchase.

Q. If you could buy any piece of art in the world, what would it be and why?

Having recently acquired some incredible contemporary pieces, like Damien Hirst’s ‘Paper Blossom’, I’m now interested in ancient art. I’m particularly fascinated by Egyptian hieroglyphic limestone tablets and Mesopotamian clay tablets, exploring the rich history and artistry of these ancient cultures.

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Joe Wilson’s insights into the curatorial process and his passion for art provide a compelling glimpse into the world of Smolensky Gallery and its role in celebrating queer artistry through Manchester Pride. As the city’s art scene continues to thrive, Joe’s dedication to showcasing diverse and impactful art ensures that Manchester remains a vibrant and inclusive cultural hub.

Don’t miss the FREE outdoor gallery exhibition, titled ‘OTHER’ in Spinningfields, which spans across Crown Square and The Avenue, running from Friday 23 August until Sunday 6 October.

Stroll through these locations to experience 16 striking artworks by five prominent Manchester-based artists. The exhibition explores queer artistry in Manchester, showcasing the diverse ways in which the queer spirit is expressed through artistic creation.