Creative Connections- 2 Meters Ap-Art Community Portraits Art Exhibition

2 Meters Ap-Art Community Portraits Art Exhibition - An Outdoor Public Art Show by Ade Wressell

Monday 3rd May - Friday 18th June @ Walsall Creative Factory
1 Westbourne Street, Walsall WS4 2JB

The Exhibition is a collection of black and white portraiture photographs that tell the story of the Butts diverse community, celebrating identity and togetherness, whilst being kept apart during Covid-19.

About the Artist

Ade Wressell was born and bred in the Butts. From his beginnings in Borneo Street to living in the area as an adult, he is a fully fledged ‘Butt-ownian’.

Ade’s journey of creativity began at the renown Walsall College of Art in Tong Street, Chuckery, where his interest in photography was first sparked. He later went on to study at Stoke on Trent College, then into higher education at both Staffordshire and Glasgow University.

Growing up in the Butts has had a huge impact on Ade, embracing the creativity and diversity within his own community. Ade has used his inspiration and vision to celebrate the people within his community, using his in-depth photography skills to beautifully capture local people in black and white portraiture. The participation for this project has been greatly received by the Butts Community who are proud of their personal identity and the ever-growing supportive ethos within the area.

Since 2002 Ade has worked as a Senior Medical Photographer within the NHS as well as pursuing his personal work as a Photographic Artist.

“Growing up in the Butts I have always enjoyed the community spirit and the close relationships we all form. I have been lucky to call this place my home all my life. When Walsall Creative Factory workshop opened in February 2019, utilising a disused corner shop, it was a breath of fresh air. All the fabulous creatives within the area had somewhere to meet and flourish, as well providing other members of the local community, including vulnerable and isolated people, with a place to have somewhere to express themselves and make new social connections. It is a fabulous place to be.

When I initially discussed the idea of this project with Maxine, Debra and Ruth, I was excited at the opportunity to document the people who live in the area and regularly use the workshop. I have always loved portraiture and found great inspiration from the likes of David Bailey and Rankin. I feel that the collection of images within this exhibition portray that.

I have really enjoyed this project. I have met new people, shared new stories and made new friends, as have the people I have captured within this exhibition.

I’d like to thank the whole Creative Factory team for all their help and support during the project. And a special thanks to Maxine for all her efforts to make this exhibition happen.

I’d also like to say a big THANK YOU to all that agreed to be photographed and took the time to come along to the Creative Factory photo shoot sessions. Your participation and community spirit helped to make this project a worthwhile success.”