From Saturday 30 September, visitors to the historical art galleries at Norwich Castle may notice something unusual about the display…
Norwich-based artist and curator, Mark Wilsher, invites visitors to come and be surprised by an intriguing intervention in the way some of the artworks in these galleries are displayed.
To say more would be a spoiler as the curators are keen for visitors to discover the intervention for themselves!
What we can reveal is that the five paintings are located across the art galleries and have all been on display for many years. Mark worked closely with the team at Norwich Castle to select the art works, all of which were carefully assessed for their suitability for the project.
A gallery guide provides some fascinating historical context for the intervention, and visitors are encouraged to record their reactions in a comments book – the resulting conversation will form a crucial part of the overall project.
Five Paintings is a surprising and playful new conceptual work which has been timed to coincide with the final phases of the major redevelopment of Norwich Castle Keep, playing on ideas around the collection as an entity in itself.
Mark Wilsher, artists, says: “I’ve really enjoyed bringing a contemporary twist to the Castle’s collection of historic paintings. As a Norwich resident, I’ve been visiting the museum for years and know the galleries well. I think people will be surprised and intrigued by what I’ve managed to do there.
“My work is like a cross between sculpture and performance art. I try to create interesting situations for an audience that change how you think of things.”
Mark Wilsher: Five Paintings is on show at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery from Saturday 30 September 2023 to Sunday 31 March 2024.