HAPPY VALLEY marks a checkpoint in a two year long site specific project by Fine Art Critical Practice graduate Tom Nicholson made in response to the building developments happening outside the ONCA gallery and Grand Parade Campus.

 

‘Happy Valley’ is the media coined term for the development, suggesting a sarcastic and utopian vision of what’s to come. This exhibition both mirrors and inherently critiques the immediate progress occurring outside through conceptually loaded use of materials, actions and aesthetics.

Before its demolition and subsequent redevelopment Nicholson created works at the site of the old Astoria Cinema that reflected his own experience, observations and research undertaken on the buildings history and current state. This has developed into a wider project focussing on the entire ‘Valley Gardens’ development – a £20 Million pound scheme to redevelop the area between St Peter’s Church and the Palace Pier. Recently these plans have been met with controversy and resistance.

Launch Event | Wednesday 4th September, 6 – 8pm FREE

more information Onca website

https://onca.org.uk/event/happy-valley/