Current Exhibitions

40 Years of the Future: Painting

24 March 2024 — 23 June 2024

Saturday Slow Preview: Saturday 23 March 2024
This Saturday Slow Preview is an opportunity to book a timed visit with additional restricted capacity in the gallery, so you can enjoy our new exhibition at your own pace.

This is also a chance for you to ask questions to Castlefield Gallery Curator and Deputy Director Matthew Pendergast. Refreshments will be provided.

Book your free tickets here


Please note Castlefield Gallery will be closed over the Easter holiday period from 29th March to 2nd April 2024 included.


Artists: Sarah Feinmann, Tricia Gillman, John Hoyland, Jamie Kirk, Robin Megannity, Azraa Motala, Katie Tomlinson and Gary Wragg

Forty years ago, on 20 March 1984, Castlefield Gallery opened its doors. On that day, the gallery was proud to open with a remarkable exhibition John Hoyland: Recent Paintings. This March 2024, we are delighted to launch our 40 year anniversary programme with 40 Years of the Future: Painting

This show welcomes to the gallery large abstract paintings that were either shown or are representative of works exhibited in that first year of programming. The returning artists are Sarah Feinmann, Tricia Gillman, John Hoyland, and Gary Wragg*. Each will present their past work alongside more recent paintings and will be joined by four artists based in the North West who we feel are ones to watch: Jamie Kirk, Robin Megannity, Azraa Motala and Katie Tomlinson.

Over the last 40 years the continued relevance of painting and the superiority of figurative or abstract works over one another have been heavily debated. This exhibition brings together powerful examples of both, displaying a number of different approaches to painting. 40 Years of the Future: Painting presents works which focus on the relationship between the canvas and the body, made with freehand marks exploring movement, energy and space. Other pieces in the show draw from and incorporate elements of nature photography, diaristic fragments, computer manipulated imagery and shapes made with laser cut vinyl. Some of the works on display reference the histories and traditions of painting, reframing singular ideas around representation, identity and symbolism.

Don’t miss 40 Years of the Future: Painting at Castlefield Gallery, where you will encounter somber and intense works alongside the exuberant and bombastic. Whether you are a painting enthusiast or simply curious about what painting can do, this exhibition delivers a rich dialogue around the past, present and future of the medium, individual expression, the power of imagery and the politics of representation.

*Works returning to the gallery include: Carambola (1982) by Tricia Gillman, Harvest 6.3.81 (1981) by John Hoyland and Skid (1984) by Gary Wragg.


40 Years of the Future: Painting is supported by:

With special thanks to Castlefield Gallery Commissioning Patrons Prof. Chris Klingenberg and Bridget and Richard Schilizzi.

A special thank you to Sam Cornish, Beverley Heath-Hoyland and Lee Taylor.

Recent Exhibitions

Logical Song

04/02/2024

Warning: strobe lighting will be used in this exhibition Castlefield Gallery presents Logical Song, Rowland Hill’s first major solo exhibition. … Read more

Omid Asadi

15/10/2023

Castlefield Gallery is excited to present the first major UK solo exhibition by Omid Asadi. The exhibition will feature new large scale … Read more

Reclaim. Suzanne St Clare and residents of Chester at New Art Spaces: Chester

28/07/2023

Location: Castlefield Gallery New Art Spaces: Chester, Grosvenor Shopping Centre, St Michael’s Square This exhibition explores the themes of belonging and … Read more