Join the magical world of explorative illustration at Hove’s very own Boxbird – a name which conjures up the playful content of this little gallery. A diamond in the rough, tucked away on a quiet street just past Palmiera Sqaure. It’s like the toyshop of full of fairytales! For this year’s fringe they are displaying work which quite literally jumps off the page, Three – D, which showcases the work of three main artists, Graham Carter, Tom Frost and Helen Musselwhite. Each artist has their own unique style, which they have taken into the third dimension. An array of vibrantly colourful boxed-art, sculpture and intricate papercuts govern the small space. To top it off Ticktockrobot have turned the work of these artists into a short animation.
Eye-popping colour is the common theme between the artists. Carter presents bold graphic works and characters which allude to a story behind them, ideal candidates for animation. Musselwhite’s papercuts are impossibly delicate, the different sections are entwined to create woodland animals which try to creep off the page when you have your back turned. Frost’s work is delightfully kitsch, think vintage circuses, old cars and the English seaside. His sculptures are toys, though with the price tag you wouldn’t want them played with. The short animation was bursting with innovative energy and story-telling. At one point an owl appears which seems to be made out of clock-work pieces, each part then begins to sway before soaring off like a cloud of butterflies.
The work is universal; it would happily adorn either a living room or a child’s bedroom. Of course all the pieces are for sale, along with limited edition silk-screens, original drawings as well as unique souvenirs and gifts – something for everyone. Go discover this hidden gem it is well worth a visit (or possibly two!).
