The ‘Given What We Know Now’ exhibition of paintings, prints and ceramics will be open to the public at the Medinelli’s pop-up shop on Kempock Street from May 12 till May 17.
The week-long event will feature work by James Coogan, Raine Clarke, Jenny Phillips, Chris Goan, Paul Knight, Michaela Goan, Yvonne Lyon, Karen Kormurmcu and Jules Cadie.
“James’s work is a response to his background as an oceanographer, working in the Arctic, trying to understand why the ice in Svalbard’s fjords was melting much faster than expected.
“In the end it had driven him to the brink of despair as it seemed like the climate crisis he could see unfolding inch by inch, mile by mile was not being taken seriously.
“I have worked within mental health services, at the edge of a society that seemed to be coming apart.
“Both James and myself have used art to respond to what we see as the fragility and woundedness of the earth, partly to celebrate those who seek to live well upon it, but also telling a story of sense of crisis that many of us feel keenly.
“On an individual level, this has led to a kind of collective sickness in which people feel overwhelmed and powerless to respond in any meaningful way.
“In the end, we decided to invite fellow artists to respond in the form of a joint exhibition.”
The pop-up shop at 75 Kempock Street has become a favourite venue for artists and businesses from around Inverclyde and beyond
Greenock artist Michael Hepburn staged an exhibition at the shop last October, while the venue has also hosted creations by Beauty By Bex and artwork by Nicola Young.
The exhibition title was inspired by a poem Chris wrote which explores what he believes life may look like because of the ‘climate emergency and widening inequality’.
There will also be a launch event in the shop on Monday, May 12, with a poetry reading and music from Greenock singer-songwriter Yvonne Lyon.
The exhibition is free to attend.
Chris added: “All are welcome, but it might be a tight squeeze!”
