The gospel according to... Morrissey

A MAJOR new exhibition showing the influence of Manchester band The Smiths on European arts and culture starts on Friday in the Holden Gallery.

The exhibition ‘The Gospel According To…’ (Part 1) celebrates The Smiths’ 30th anniversary and will feature a range of European artists who have used the Smiths work in some way in their work.

This will include video installations of contemporary artists Lucienne Cole tap-dancing to Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now, Lars Laumann explaining a conspiracy theory that Smiths classic The Queen Is Dead foretold Princess Diana’s demise, and Andrew Bracey’s animation of a bear dancing to This Charming Man.

The exhibition, which has attracted national media interest, also include a ‘bootleg booth’ showing rare archive footage of early Smiths performances.

Icons

The Smiths formed back in 1982 and their 30th anniversary year has sparked a renewed interest in one of Manchester’s most influential bands.

A collaboration with the CUBE gallery, the project was jointly curated by Steven Gartside of the Holden Gallery.

Steven said: “The exhibition combines the interest in Manchester icons the Smiths with a contemporary art take on popular culture.

“It’s great to have it here at the Holden Gallery as it fits in with the remit of the Manchester School of Art.”

‘The Gospel According To…’ (Part 2) Thu 12 April, will be hosted at the Cornerhouse to coincide with the exhibition at the Holden Gallery. This panel discussion aims to look back to the Manchester of the early 80s and the emergence of The Smiths in relation to the cultural and social politics of the time, and the context for it’s re-presentation by contemporary artists.

The Gospel According to…(Part 1) exhibition launches from March 16 to May 4, from 10am-4pm and is free to enter at the Holden Gallery, Grosvenor Building, Cavendish Street, Manchester.