23 May- 30 June, 2018

Robert Soden paints the places that people live, work and play and is best known for his paintings of the post-industrial city. His ‘Leisureland’ paintings, exhibited at the Globe, show Robert’s love of the timeless fairground with its iconic shapes and daring colours. This collection, created over 25 years chart the changing fashions of the fairground.

We were also delighted to premier Amy Whitfield’s commission, ‘Inside Liketoy Land,’ a contemporary take on the traditional puppet show, ‘Punch and Judy.’  Amy’s sculptures are a reflection on popular culture, exploring the social responsibilities associated with the design of playthings and the representation of people.

In her piece, politically influential figures are gathered in a playspace.  Trump is building a wall, Nina Simone casts a spell, the Iran Nuclear Deal has ruptured and Russell Brand reminds us that we are living in a “post-apocalyptic world.” Her work critiques the modern consumption of information, how our lives have become a non-stop carousal ride where images and information are always flooding our periphery, but nothing every seems in focus.

Robert Soden

Robert Soden is a landscape painter, whose interest in urban architecture and life began when living in Rome in the 1980s. Soden focuses on the humanity of a landscape – his affectionate depictions of unloved areas allows the viewer to see places in a new light.

Amy South

Amy South is originally from Blyth, Northumberland and went on to study at Chelsea College of Arts, graduating in 2016. She frequently exhibits between Newcastle and London, organising group events such as Snap Exhibition and the Artist’s Boot Sale at Globe Gallery in 2017.

Photo © Colin Davison