Cadman Gallery opens its doors to Conjunction 2010

Staffordshire University is playing host to a city-wide exhibition which includes work by a Turner Prize nominated artist. Part of the Cadman building has been transformed into a gallery, presenting pieces by Phil Collins, Paul Rooney and Adam James. Prize nominated Phil Collins’ video piece turns the tables on a journalist forced to react instantly to the breaking news of 9/11.

Adam James, who has had work displayed in the Tate Gallery in London, is considered by the event’s organisers to be an emerging talent. Lecturer in Fine Art, Anna Francis said James’ video piece, “Paris Vagabonds” (pictured), examines the “micro-performity of gestures and exaggerates these into a performance. It deals with outsiders living in a city.”
Finally, a specially commissioned piece by Paul Rooney appears in the form of a bookmark, on which is written a haunting tale of a librarian who finds a bookmark with special powers.
The event’s organisers David Bethell and Andy Branscombe both graduated from Staffordshire University in 2005. David said the inclusion of the Cadman Gallery in Conjunction 2010 represented “an unprecedented step forward for the university. Staff have been very involved in helping an external event come into the university and there will be a beneficial legacy from this partnership.”

He added, “The project is key for developing the artistic and cultural offering within the city, and we’ve had comments from the general public on the addition of culture to Stoke’s Cultural Quarter. It’s also very beneficial for students to be able to see world class exhibits. We’ve had a positive response so far.”

Conjunction 2010 at the Cadman Building is open to the public from Wednesday to Friday, 12pm to 4pm until Friday November 26. An “extravaganza” of live art will take place at venues across the city on Saturday, November 27. Further information on the Cadman Gallery and Conjunction 2010 is available at www.conjunction.org.uk.