Henry Blackshaw with his work – Image by Richard Hooker
Islington Arts Factory has proudly announced Henry Blackshaw as the winner of the Metamorphose Residency Award. The residency offers a unique opportunity to create new work and develop professionally within the supportive environment at Islington Arts Factory (IAF).
Blackshaw will be given a private studio space for nine months, regular mentoring sessions with Programme Curator Eleanor Pearce and teaching experience on the MakeArt education programme. The residency culminates in a solo exhibition to be held in May 2014.
Henry said: “I am thrilled to have been selected. I really like what Islington Arts Factory does and stands for and am looking forward to getting more involved with the centre”.
Having graduated from BA Fine Art at Chelsea College of Art and Design in 2012, Blackshaw’s captivating silk paintings were initially selected for the Metamorphose exhibition, which took place at Islington Arts Factory in May 2013. The exhibition series showcases the work of outstanding new graduates from BA and MA Fine Art courses across London and the UK.
Eleanor Pearce commented: “This is a key moment for the Metamorphose programme. Everyone here is looking forward to working with Henry throughout the residency. It’s exciting for our audiences to have such a talented new artist based here. I am looking forward to seeing how he is inspired by his time at Islington Arts Factory”.
Since it’s inception in 2007 the Metamorphose programme has been developing its support of emerging artists at a key stage in their careers. A significant grant from The Foyle Foundation has allowed IAF to establish the residency, which benefits the selected artist and all visitors to the gallery. It is our aim to demystify the art making process for visitors through workshops, seminars and talks. Henry will also be present in an informal way, available to answer questions and interacting with visitors and community groups throughout the residency.
