Folk Life Drawing: China and Hong Kong

The Portico Library is currently host to Echos: China & Hong Kong, an exhibition curated by five Critical Friends which takes a look through the library’s archive and reclaims the narrative of the relationship between Britain, China and Hong Kong. As much as it’s worth visiting just to check out the exhibition and the Portico’s unique ambience, you can also dive into the themes of the exhibition through the catalyst of life drawing.

Facilitated by HappeningInManchester, these sessions will have you drawing models who’ve taken inspiration from the iconography of the exhibits, curating a series of themed poses. Whether you’ve tried life drawing before or have no idea where to start you never feel worse after spending some dedicated time sitting and creating. Drawing helps soothe your soul, calm your mind and build your self esteem. It’s also a great way to meet likeminded people and explore the exhibition in a more social way than perusing it on your own.

As a library steeped in history with an international past exhibitions like Echos are a brilliant way to pay due respect to the historical significance of the collection whilst treating the colonial context in which the collection was built with a more contemporary sensitivity.

HappeningInManchester is an info hub for visual arts events happening in Manchester. They’re increasingly putting on their own events and hosting arty happenings in the city for everyone and anyone to get involved in. Up until April you can find a community Micro-Gallery exhibition curated by HappeningInManchester at Afflecks, so be sure to have a look if you’re passing by.

The models for Folk Life Drawing sessions will be nude. No previous experience of drawing is required to get maximal enjoyment out of the session, so just turn up and be ready to spend some time stretching your creative muscles. The ticket price includes everything you need to take part and also helps to fund future arty endeavours from HappeningInManchester. Check out their socials to keep up to date with future happenings.