13 artists out of the 447 rejected form this year’s Castle Open exhibition have come together at The King Billy pub in Sneinton to offer a truly enjoyable show. This one goes down well with a pint or two of snake eyes and a packet of crisps...
It's 3pm on Saturday afternoon and The King Billy looks like any decent pub. Good beers, locals propping up the bar and rugby on the TV. I get a warm welcoming from Helen Kennedy; artist, contributor and co-curator of Castle Ruins – A Celebration of Rejection.
Offering to give me the grand tour, Helen is so enthusiastic about each equally intriguing room that has been used to display work: bar, snug, pool room, games rooms, even the loos are full of artwork.
A Celebration of Rejection is a fitting title. These are thirteen artists who have refused to be defined by rejection, and the limitations that can be imposed by an often highbrow audience. This is an exhibition for the people. Hannah Whitlow’s poem The Billy, featured in an accompanying publication for the show, finishes with the line “This is your pub” and through Castle Ruins it feels like we’re being told “this is your art”.
Everyone is encouraged to get involved and have their say because everyone is entitled to an opinion. Knobbler are saying that art can’t always fit into set criteria, and that’s okay. No one’s bitter about rejection, “It’s a game of timings and chances”. Castle Ruins is Knobbler creating that chance. Consisting of Martin Rayment, Helen Kennedy, Selina Mosinski and Hannah Whitlow, they are giving a voice to those unsung creators in Nottingham.
If you like decent beer, friendly atmosphere and a good laugh, Castle Ruins is a great exhibition. From Andrew McEwan’s series of abstract photographs to Zoe Nott’s immersive, overwhelmingly pink installation in the ladies loos, The King Billy is full of surprises. Even the landlord, Jon Blyth, has a comical piece on display.
This is early days for Knobbler and the Castle Ruins series. Hopefully, they’ll become a regular feature in Nottingham’s art scene.
Castle Ruins – A Celebration of Rejection runs until Sunday 22 January 2017. Closing part, To the Castle!, Friday 20 January, 8pm, The King Billy Pub, Eyre Street, NG2 4PB.
Castle Ruins Facebook page
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