Press

Invisible Conversations - Benedict Phillips

17 February - 25 March 2006
PYRO Gallery, Louisville, Kentucky (USA)

An exhibition of photography by the Leeds-based conceptual artist, Benedict Phillips, in which he focuses upon the experience of Dyslexia through portraiture.

Yorkshire based artist Benedict Phillips’ new work Invisible Conversations, opening on February 17 at Louisville’s innovative PYRO Gallery, is not a typical art exhibition. Described as ‘portraits beyond dyslexia’, the exhibition is an innovative photographic study of people’s experiences of Dyslexia. Initiated by PYRO Gallery member and artist, Susan Gorsen, the exhibition forms the first cultural exchange between PYRO Gallery and Pavilion; as part of an emerging Sister Cities partnership between Louisville, Kentucky (USA) and Leeds.

The exhibition features life-size photographs which explore the memories and experiences of people with Dyslexia. Originally developed through a residency at the Yorkshire Artspace, the exhibition includes portraits being made whilst Phillips is in-residence at the headquarters of the Louisville Visual Art Association. The photographs result from a ‘conversation’ which Phillips has with each sitter, during which time the sitters draw an image of their dyslexia onto a chalkboard, which forms a backdrop to their portrait. These chalk visualisations also provide the gallery viewer with an insight into that individuals perception of their own experiences with the condition. As an artist who celebrates his Dyslexia, Phillips challenges public perceptions of what it means to be a ‘dyslecksick’ (sic), providing an enlightened and humanistic viewpoint based upon the need for respect and a more informed understanding beyond literacy.

Events associated with the Invisible Conversations exhibition include:

13-15 February:
Benedict Phillips in-residence at the Louisville Visual Art Association
13 February:
Presentations by Benedict Phillips and Debra Klomp
17 February:
PYRO Gallery opening reception of Invisible Conversations
18 February:
PYRO Gallery Q&A Session with Benedict Phillips and Debra Klomp

Invisible Conversations is curated by Debra Klomp, Director of Pavilion, in partnership with PYRO Gallery.

For further information contact: Debra Klomp on 0113 200 7061 or debra@pavilion.org.uk

Editors Notes:
Benedict Phillips is often described as one of the most diverse artists working in the U.K. today. He has a career which has seen him working as artist, writer and curator for over ten years. www.thebenedict.net

As an artist run co-operative gallery, the members of PYRO are committed to developing international artists’ exchanges and presenting socially relevant exhibitions. www.pyrogallery.com

Established in 1983, Pavilion is the Leeds-based arts organisation which exists to celebrate, develop and promote the practice of photography, both as a powerful tool of creative expression and social empowerment through commissions, exhibitions, publications and related events, education and training.