Expose & Disguise Exhibition, Bristol

Bristol Art Society's 'Expose and Disguise' Exhibition.

March 25-28th, Christmas Steps Gallery 

Throughout this year I have had the pleasure of being a member of Bristol's fabulous Art Society. For mere pennies we've all reaped the rewards of a whole year of life drawing classes, volunteering opportunities, drawing materials and experiences like the brilliant Street Art tour all whilst being surrounded by infectiously creative and inspiring people. 

To round off a year of inspiring work the Art Society are hosting a beautifully curated exhibition at Bristol's wonderfully intimate Christmas Steps gallery for you to come and visit for free all week. Last night was the opening party and with flowing wine, lollipops and groovy tunes, the place was packed. Afterwards we went for drinks at the elusive 'Redlight' speakeasy before the buzzing after-party at the Feminism society's 'Boobie Nights' event. 

It was a rainbow of a costume party with many reincarnations of Frida Kahlo wandering around! Other impressive costume efforts came from the host Becky Black's Salvador Dali/Lobster creation and Zoe Zietman's handmade interpretation of Andy Warhol's soup cans. Some of the boys also produced some Botticelli-inspired sweatshirts, which certainly captured the mood! 

The quality of the artwork was tremendous. I was so intrigued by the piece Masked by Hannah Jones, which explored the theme of people hiding behind their technology whilst demonstrating intricate brushwork to achieve the gentle illumination of boy'd face. Lylie Walter's portrait of her mother was also deeply moving. It captured a moment of pure joy and laughter with a delicate, subdued colour palette and simple brushstrokes. 

The short film 'Nudes' by Amelia Kerr and Matilda Lucy was an interesting interpretation of the modification of the human form, which takes place in society. The atmospheric music and simplicity of the monochrome film made it an eerily beautiful piece of work. 

I also adored one artist's series of tiny journals collaged together on a white board. They recorded her year abroad in Italy and could be opening to reveal intricate little illustrations of chapels as well as deeply personal musings from her travels. So intriguing. 

I also very proud to have my own oil painting named 'Contemplation' featuring in the exhibition.

 Afterwards, my supporters and I decided to venture out for a cocktail and went in search of one of Bristol's most elusive water holes - the secret 'Redlight' speakeasy. I cannot fully disclose the location, but if you wander around the bottom of Park Street for long enough you may stumble upon this red telephone box in a secluded alleyway. You dial the first 3 buttons and are asked what your intention is before giving the number of guests desiring to enter.  

If you're granted entry what you first thought was a flat wall suddenly opens to reveal a mysterious hostess who led us down the dark steps through a red velvet curtain into a low lit, atmospheric and rather old-worldly cocktail bar. It felt like a den of 1920s prohibition with waiters wearing vintage attire. 

The combination of plush velvet sofas, dim lamps and fabulous selection of somewhat expensive cocktails make it a rather seductive choice for your evening tipple. I would highly recommend anything with their fresh ginger syrup!

We then ventured to the After Party at 'Boobie Nights', Bristol Feminist society's fabulous night out at Basement 45. My gorgeous friend Sophia was DJing for the first time so we all boogied to her 'sex positive, gender-netural' tunes all night! The combination of Art exhibition opening, cocktails at a lost speakeasy and a feminist disco night really illustrates the range of eclectic experiences to be had in Bristol!