It’s not every art show that WANTS you to come and play with the exhibits!
‘Toys of Innocence and Experience’ unashamedly carries a title borrowed from the English poet, painter and visionary, William Blake. His illustrated ‘Songs of Innocence and of Experience’ is, perhaps, his most popular book of poems. In it he uses child-like verses as a vehicle for satire and social comment.
Here, toys take on that role. Either by playing with them, or on close inspection, participants discover that these toys aren’t so innocent. Indeed, some of the twenty-five toys in the show might possibly be found to be disturbing, or even shocking. At the very least they cannot be described simply as sculptures. They are more like stimulators for the formation of thoughts – thoughts about society and the world we live in.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
The German artist, Joseph Beuys coined the term ‘social sculpture’. He passionately believed that art must have social value. Indeed, incorporated into the exhibition are various posters, leaflets, and memorabilia associated with this influential performance artist, sculptor, teacher, and social activist.
His art and ideas changed and expanded the way art is perceived today. He considered thinking and speaking to be sculptural processes and that we all have the power, and even the responsibility, to shape or sculpt these ‘invisible’ materials both for our own self-development and for the betterment of society. He called this process ‘social sculpture’, of which ‘Toys of Innocence and Experience’ is an example.
ALL DAY EXHIBITION | 10.30AM – 5.30PM
The designers of the show, Paul Cooper and Cliff Gorman, will be on hand throughout the day to discuss issues that arise either from engagement with the toys or, indeed, from the Beuys’ ideas that underpin the show.
MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION | 1.30PM
For those wishing to learn more about Beuys’ work, Cliff Gorman will be giving a multimedia presentation which focuses on Beuys’ concept of ‘Social Sculpture’ and its significance for the world today.
OTHER INFORMATION
Suitable for all ages from 8 years upwards
Cost: Free, booking essential
Paul Cooper created the toys on display in ‘Toys of Innocence and Experience’. After training as a sculptor at Newcastle University he went on to become a lecturer in Art and Design at the University of Lancaster and participated in major exhibitions both in Britain and the U.S.A., culminating in a visiting professorship at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. He later became a contemporary garden designer winning the Sword of Excellence for the best garden at the Chelsea Flower Show in 1992 with ‘The Greening of Industry’. Examples from his broad body of work can be seen at www.paulcooperartandgardens.co.uk.
Cliff Gorman studied Physics and Chemistry at the University of Exeter. He has worked with Paul for over 30 years and has studied the art and ideas of Joseph Beuys for most of those years. During that time, he has amassed a library of well over 400 books on Beuys. He has arranged and organised talks on Beuys at the University of Wales Institute (coinciding with the “Artists Rooms: Joseph Beuys” exhibition at National Museum, Cardiff), the School of Art, Oxford Brookes University, and Stroud Valleys Artspace and has co-lectured on aspects of Beuys’ work at the University of the West of England.
Accessibility Statement: If you have questions, suggestions or would like to discuss specific requirements, please contact Exeter Phoenix's Visitor Services Manager Anna-Ruth by calling 01392 667080 or email Anna-Ruth via the link here.
ACCESS TO THE BUILDING
There is a steep slope from the street leading to the main entrance and a flight of stairs up to the front door. More level access is possible by approaching from Exeter Central Library on Castle street. Step-free access to the building is available via a ramped entrance on the side of the building.
The side entrance is equipped with automatic doors.
All ground floor spaces are fully accessible with a mix of level flooring and gentle ramps. Spaces on the first floor are accessible via lift or the main staircases with level floor access throughout. Unfortunately, the second floor is not accessible via lift. Access from the first floor is via one flight of stairs.
Seating at events in The Workshop & Studio 1 changes depending on the event; if you have any specific requirements we will do our best to accommodate them and advise getting in contact before you attend.
If you are a wheelchair user we have removable seats or appropriate spaces available in all event spaces to accommodate this.
PARKING
There is one accessible parking space for Blue Badge Holders. To reserve this for your visit, please call the box office team on 01392 667080 who will provide you with a parking permit upon arrival.
TOILETS
Level access to accessible toilets is available on all floors. The accessible toilet next to Studio 74 does not require a radar key. A radar key is required for the accessible toilet on the ground floor next to the Workshop and the first floor accessible toilet; the key is available from the box office.
There are gender neutral toilets available in Studio 74 and on the first floor.
GUIDE DOGS
Guide / Hearing / Assistance Dogs are welcome. If you wish to take your dog into the event, please let us know when booking so that we can arrange an adjacent seat.
COMPANIONS
Patrons with disabilities may also bring a companion free of charge to all events.
SENSORY NOTES
The cafe bar plays low level recorded music during the day, with moderately bright lighting. During the evening in the cafe bar the music is louder and the lighting is lower. The cafe bar can become busy at various times which makes it louder.
The building can be busy with multiple events happening at the same time, if during your visit you feel you need a quieter space please ask and we will try to accommodate this wherever possible.
VENUE VISUAL STORY
Exeter Phoenix are currently in the process of updating their visual story to more accurately reflect the building.