Opening in September 2021, POP GOES THE PASTORAL is a collaborative group exhibition showing new works by close friends Kate Boxer, Don Brown, Gary Hume and Sarah Lucas at the invitation of the latter. Exhibited at The Old Theatre in the rural market town of Framlingham, Suffolk - nearby to where Lucas lives and works - the new paintings, sculptures and drawings celebrate ongoing conversations, friendship and collaboration.
As suggested by the title, the works present a playful divergence from the bucolic associations of rural Britain and its enduring pathos, in proposing an impromptu festival. Paintings by Kate Boxer illuminate the bold presence of counter-cultural feminine icons, including Polystyrene and Peg Plunkett. In contrast are three bronze sculptures by Don Brown, depicting his familial muses in minutely observed states of inward contemplation, alongside meticulously rendered still life paintings of flowers. Elsewhere, the minimalist abstraction of figurative paintings and drawings by Gary Hume impart a melancholia within nature and psychology. And four new Bunny sculptures by Sarah Lucas, clad in vivid blue socks and modish footwear, interrupt with a swaggering attitude and strident individualism.
Conceived during the repeated lockdowns of the pandemic, POP GOES THE PASTORAL inevitably invites us to recognise the value of local, do-it-yourself initiatives, using what is to hand to stage an exhibition to be presented to communities that are closer to home.
Opening hours Friday and Saturday, 12-6pm or by appointment (email popgoesthepastoral@sadiecoles.com).
HOW TO GET THERE
The Old Theatre, Church Street, Framlingham IP13 9HB
By Car
Postcode for Sat Nav IP13 9HB
Parking available at Framlingham Castle, IP13 9BP
By Train
The nearest main line station is Ipswich with connections to Norwich and London Liverpool Street.
Wickham Market Train Station, which is on the Ipswich to Lowestoft line, is the closest station to Framlingham and is approx. 20 minutes to Framlingham by taxi.
Greater Anglia operates frequent train services. All train tickets can be purchased here Greater Anglia website or the app.
Local taxi services
Framlingham Taxis 01728 724799
Taxi James Wickham 07544 100604