The eclectic and thought-provoking exhibition “Messing with Heads,” currently on display at the Quay Arts Centre in Newport, reaches its conclusion this Saturday (8th July).
The unique spectacle is the brainchild of Paul Woods, known by his artist name, Paradox Paul. Paul is the worthy winner of the Quay OPEN 2021, and this presentation marks his first major solo exhibition.
If you visited at the beginning of the show, be aware that Paul has been making changes and working on the exhibition for the last couple of months, so it’s worth a revisit before it closes.
Commissioned collaborations
Featuring a range of collaborations, Paul has joined forces with a collection of artists to bring this vision to life.
Collaborators include Violet Mareck, Steve Prangnell, Susie Prangnell, Martin Swan, Mark Cosby, Mark Dickson, and Keith Allso.
A journey from Lockdown to Art
Paul’s creative journey with ‘trash art’ began during the first national lockdown in 2020. Within the confines of his alternative High Street gift shop, he began to craft objects that are not typically sought after by the everyday High Street shopper.
Paul reflects,
“Since the first lockdown in 2020 I’ve been making things in my alternative High Street gift shop that few High Street shoppers want, either because they serve no practical purpose or because they are too weird to give as gifts. I know they are ‘weird’ because that is the most common word used by disconcerted passers-by and the curious few who venture inside.”
‘Trash-Art’ – a unique craft
His medium of choice? ‘Trash-art.’ The artist has created around 500 of these items so far, each sourced from random toys and ornaments procured from local charity shops. But the creative process does not end with the item itself.
Paul has taken the time to package these items neatly, presenting a complete, satirical, marketable product.
Paul shared,
“Since I realised that people take a neatly packaged item – no matter what it is – far more seriously than random art on a shelf, I also enjoy making the boxes, as well as posters and other satirical merchandising.”
One-offs with character
Each creation is uniquely designed to mimic the appearance of mass-produced items. Yet, each one is, in fact, a one-off, never to be duplicated.
This collection has been proudly displayed in the white-walled West Gallery space at Quay Arts, and its reception has been, predictably, varied.
As Paul noted,
“Though purposefully looking mass-produced, each artwork with its box is a unique one-off which won’t be made again. Disclaimer: I’ve been told my art divides opinion like Marmite, so you might just hate it! (I still haven’t decided for myself whether this is mostly Trash or mostly Art.)”
A Marmite moment
Paradox Paul’s exhibition is undeniably different, and, much like the tangy spread Marmite, you may love it or hate it.
As this novel showcase draws to a close, one thing is certain; its innovative approach to art has made a mark, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and provoking thought and discussion on the essence of art itself.
Don’t miss out
As we bid farewell to the “Messing with Heads” exhibition this Saturday, we anticipate what Paradox Paul has in store for his next artistic endeavour.
You can see Messing with Heads at Quay Arts daily between 9am and 5pm until Saturday 8th July.
The exhibition has been supported by Arts Council England.
