FINGERS
CROSSED
Jane Fairhurst
Interdisciplinary Artist
Manchester
I work in a range of media using whichever medium allows me to best express what I want to ‘say’. I draw, paint, work in mixed media and with textiles, and create installations and site-specific works.
In my practice there is often a chance occurrence where disparate elements come together in free associations and fortuitous accidents.
My subject matter is broad and may include environmental, political and social issues in contemporary society. It is often darkly humorous.
The appropriation and transformation of objects and images is part of my practice. Whether in role of iconoclast or critiquing consumerism I endeavor to subvert and transcend the original.
Research too is important. I gather both visual and written information that in turn feeds into my work. A piece of work may come together quite quickly but it has often been brewing for several years requiring only a chance encounter to bring it together. Important too is the collecting of objects be they artifact or organic material that may be used as part of an installation or included in an individual artwork.
In 2010 I gained my MFA with distinction from Liverpool JMU Art and Design Academy. I’ve been exhibiting in solo and selected exhibitions and have curated shows for over 20 years. Gallery Oldham (Transition 2010, solo), Liverpool Biennial (Rise Up and Build 2010, collaboration and curating), Chapel Gallery, Ormskirk(History of the Future 2011, collaboration and curating), Cross Street Gallery, Wigan (Paula and Jane’s Emporium of Curious Objects, 2012, collaboration and curating), The Jester Project(Collaboration with Alabaster de Plume and selected artists and musicians 2013), V.A.C. Gallery (Small Mythologies for the New Era 2013, solo), The Pyramid, Warrington, (Testing Space 2015, Cross Street artists site specific exhibition organiser and exhibitor)
Prizes – 2007 Lancashire Art Prize, Chapel Gallery, Ormskirk, 2005 Lancashire Art Prize, Chapel Gallery, Ormskirk, 2005 3D Prize, Turnpike Gallery, Leigh.
Publications: Katalogue 1 From Pop to Politics, launched London 2005, Montreal & Berlin 2006, Paris 2007. Mental Virus Arts Magazine 2004-2010, ‘Rise Up and Build’ Fairhurst_Fielding artists publication of photographs and quotations with reference to Skelmersdale New Town, Lancashire 2010. http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1582938
Founder member and current trustee of Cross Street Arts, (Standish, Wigan), an artist led studio group offering exhibition and curating opportunities to support artists in the region.
Castlefield Gallery Associate.