This April sees an exciting mix of independent events and exhibitions. With a solo exhibition by the Birmingham based artist Sarah Taylor-Silverwood at the New Art Gallery Walsall, to smaller, intimate events such as the mini-festival that will be held by the DIY live art and music collective Shanty Town. This April proves why Birmingham’s cultural scene is a step above the rest.

An exhibition exploring the relationship between language and femininity: Sarah Taylor-Silverwood: ‘Daphne’ at New Art Gallery Walsall

Having first come across Silverwood’s work ath Medicine’s ‘Forward: New Art Birmingham’ which ended just last month, I was instantly charmed. Two figures comprised of pastel colours, squiggly lines, ceramics and moving video imagery, were a satisfying mixture of flatness and expression. ‘Daphne’ expands upon Silverwood’s smaller wooden figures. A monumental, pastel blob, adorned with multiple smaller screens displaying similar cartoon-ish animations dominates the centre of this exhibition. By looking at the relationship between women and language, Silverwood’s use of colour, coupled with her silenced animations endeavour to retell the classical story of Apollo and Daphne. Her work is both endearing and academic.

Sat 19 Jan – Sun 12 May, New Art Gallery Walsall, Gallery Square, Walsall, WS2 8LG. Tel: 01922 654400. Opening times vary. Free.

www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk

A collaboration between architecture and the senses: Expanding Dining and Co.Lab: ‘The Shell’ at BCU Parkside

Creating art influenced by food and the sensual experience of taste and touch, Kaye Winwood’s work constitutes immersive dining experiences, allowing you to situate yourself directly within her artistic practice. Following a 12 week intensive research period, ‘The Shell’ is a collaboration between Winwood and a group of BA/MA Architecture students from the Birmingham School of Art. Co.Lab have formulated a new space to reflect upon Winwood’s practice, enabling new ways to think about dining and its possible connection to art and architecture. Be prepared for an all-encompassing, sensory experience. This event will be taking place on Digbeth First Friday.

Fri 5 April, BCU Parkside Building, 5 Cardigan Street, Birmingham B4 7RJ. 4pm-6pm. Free.

digbethfirstfriday.com

Photographs displaying signs and street art from Jamaica: Tracey Thorne: ‘Big tings a gwan down di street’ at The Old Print Works

A fascination for old signs by artist Tracey Thorne has culminated in a selection of eclectic images that document the old signs of Birmingham. However, in this new exhibition Thorne has moved her attention further afield. Thorne’s current show at The Old Print Works will display images of hand painted signs, graffiti and street art from Jamaica, shedding light onto the beauty of Jamaica’s streets and neighbourhoods.

Fri 5 April – Thurs 18 April, The Old Print Works 498-506 Moseley Road, Birmingham B12 9AH. Tel: 07410 442334. Opening times vary. Free.

www.oldprintworks.org

New Gallery Space: ‘Open Call Moving Image’ Cheap Cheap

Opening with a bang, the new exhibition space ‘Cheap Cheap’ will be beginning its debut with a lineup stuffed to the brim with the exciting new artists. Not much has been given away about this new space, allowing plenty of room for intrigue. Head on over to check out the large amounts of local talent that will be exhibiting. I have no idea what to expect, but I am nosey, and therefore will definitely be attending. There promises to be a huge amount of young, local talent on display. The exhibition opening will also be happening as part of Digbeth First Friday.

Fri 5 April, Cheap Cheap, 68a Lombard Street, Birmingham, B12 0QR. Open 5pm-10pm. Free.

digbethfirstfriday.com

A DIY mini-festival of live art and music: ‘Shanty Town’ at Medicine Gallery and Bakery

To mark its third birthday, Shanty Town will be hosting an array of live music, live art and many other fantastic events, right in Birmingham’s centre. Being hosted for the first time by Medicine Gallery, this fabulous event is sure to compliment the new street space. Starting at 3pm and carrying on late into the night, head over to Medicine to experience Shanty Town’s feel-good programme of events.

Sat 20th April. Medicine Gallery and Bakery, 69a New Street, Birmingham, B2 4DU. Open 3pm-12am. Free.

www.facebook.com/followshantytown

Featured image: installation view from Sarah Taylor-Silverwood’s ‘Daphne’ at New Art Gallery Walsall. Image via: New Art Gallery Walsall Website.