Just Browsing at the Bluecoat

Surely, we must all be familiar with this exchange: “Can I help you with anything? No thanks, just browsing.” as you slowly inch away. This winter, you can browse and touch guilt-free at the Bluecoat’s new exhibition Just Browsing, a show that borrows from the shopping area around the gallery, presenting a collection of works that can be touched, worn (literally) and bought to take home. 

The exhibition is part of the Felt season, a new programme of exhibitions and events that allow audiences to get closer to the artworks and engage beyond looking.

‘Absurdist basketmaker’ Lewis Posser creates works that can be tried on and worn by performances and audiences. He uses traditional willow weaving to create tools, masks, woven heads and other objects.

Carla Wright is a socially-engaged ceramicist – her studio often provides workshops, residencies and social events for the local community. In Just Browsing, you’ll find glazed ceramic stools – vibrant objects designed to interact with. They’re bright, fun shapes that invite viewers to sit on them, around two large tables where you can take a closer look at works by two other artists: Dean Sean Kelly and Sufea Mohamad Noor.

Ffion Evans is a textile artist who creates warm, soft pieces that bring to mind home and familiarity. In the show, she presents large wall hangings made from thick fabric, quilting and tufting. You will not be able to resist – touching the art, in this case, is encouraged!

Just Browsing also includes work by Ben Saunders, Chester Tenneson and Bruce Asbestos (all involving T-shirts), Ivy Kalungi and Garth Gratrix. Kalungi presents her film The Hair Shop, exploring the hair salon as a place of genuine care in the community. Gratrix uses coastal culture and references to British seaside towns in his installation of custom-made beach towels Shy Girl.

Come and feel your way around this tactile exhibition. In other words, have a browse.