A series of contemporary art exhibitions exploring cultures, communities and environments has launched at Northumbria University’s newly refurbished Gallery North. The first, Upstream Image, explores the journey a digital image must go through before reaching our screen – and the environmental impact this has.
Gallery North is an experimental space featuring exhibitions, talks, seminars, workshops and residencies by Northumbria students, alumni and researchers, as well as collaborations with local artists and organisations.
Following a refurbishment earlier this year, the Gallery has launched its autumn programme of work, curated around the theme of Constructions.
The current exhibition, Upstream Image by artist and Assistant Professor in Animation at Northumbria Paul Dolan, explores the journey a digital image must go through before reaching our screen – and the environmental impact this has.
His work highlights the growing dependency of digital image production on hyperscale data centre infrastructure and uses 3D modelling and real-time computer simulation to allow us to engage with the hidden sites of production and the material cost of digital images.
Speaking about his work, Paul Dolan said: “I’m really pleased to be invited to show at Gallery North. It’s allowed me to push my practice and to take risks with how different audiences can engage with my research.
“Hearing different reactions to the work has reaffirmed my confidence that this research is important and relevant to lots of people’s lives.”
Upstream Image runs until Saturday 22nd October and will be followed by three more exhibitions this year.
- Slung over the bones of a collage – 27 October – 12 November 2022
- Design Feminisms – 17 November – 3 December 2022
- Grace Denton – Taking Stock – 8 December 17 December 2022
• Gallery North, Sandyford Building, Sandyford Road, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8QE | Open Thursdays and Fridays 12 – 4, Saturday 10 – 2 and by appointment | Web: northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/academic-departments/arts/gallery-north
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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