Seven artists with local link

It is an exhibition of work by contemporary and internationally recognised artists: Fiona Banner, Becky Beasley, Professor Stephen Buckley, Jane Hilton, Martin Maloney, Alessandro Raho and Mario Rossi.

All of the artists operate internationally and have strong affiliations to Hastings, either living, working or playing in the vicinity.

Curated by artist, Professor Gerard Hemsworth, the show explores the variety and hugely different approach of these artists to their subject matter, creating a dynamic dialogue both between and beyond the works.

Hemsworth explains his concept behind bringing the works of these artists together: “What is common in the works is a curious absurdity and a delightful awkwardness, where the artists manipulate both the language and concepts they employ. The viewer is invited to go beyond their expectations and address the complexity of these works, which are both disconcerting and haunting.”

Liz Gilmore, director of the Jerwood Gallery, said: “Hastings and the wider locality has a long history of being a creative magnet and catalyst for artists, many of whom like John Bratby RA (1928–1992) and Edward Burra (1905-1976) are represented in our collection.

“The town continues to be a vital source of inspiration for artists today.

“Jerwood Gallery came to Hastings, in part because of its strong artistic tradition and profile.

“This show celebrates the town’s cultural richness, offering an internationally significant and ambitious show which has potential to challenge, surprise and delight us all.”

The exhibition will open alongside a new hang of the Jerwood Gallery’s permanent collection rooms and the premiere of Who’s There: One Year Later, a film by Project Art Works.

In early 2012, the Project Art Works artists and collaborators visited the Jerwood in the final week of its construction.

They made a raw experiential investigation and documentation of the building.

The investigation was recorded through sound and video.

To mark the first anniversary of the gallery was another survey visit, and the resulting film-sound work will be shown as part of Knock Knock.

The exhibition runs until April 17.

Visit www.jerwoodgallery.org for further information and admission charges.