Brighton’s Arty: Creative Corners

I work in Teddington – Middlesex’s answer to Stepford. It’s where the middle classes go to breed, and one of the most uninspiring destinations on the planet. So when colleagues ask me why I don’t move nearer to avoid the hellish commute, I splutter aghast: “Because I live in Brighton – and there’s something creative happening on every corner.”

One particular junction that springs to mind is a stone’s throw from chez Krog, where Kemp Street meets Gloucester Road and a trio of artspaces has made this a go-to destination for lovers of the eclectic. Pop-up Gallery 40’s varied programme of shows means it’s always worth popping in. Art Schism is run by a co-operative of artists and makers, offering an engaging blend of street art and cuddly crocheted monsters. And White Rabbit Gallery is at last opening its doors on a regular basis to surprise visitors with hand-blown glassware by John King, highly unexpected butterfly jewellery, and the unique work of found-object sculptor and North Laine legend Chris MacDonald. Compulsive collector Chris was one of the first artists we interviewed for Brighton’s Arty magazine, and we’re still constantly amazed by the skill with
which he brings new meaning to life’s discarded detritus; carving, merging and metamorphosing everything from old cameras to ice-cream scoops into organic, intriguing forms.

We’re always excited to hear about local gallery openings. So we’ll be paying close attention to the ambitions of Nikki Black at Veebee (48 Gardner Street), which she aims to expand from the first floor to create an art café downstairs.

Another newbie on the block is 35 North Contemporary Art on North Road, which is showing ‘Images of Brighton’ – a series of oil paintings and pastel drawings by John Whiting – for its inaugural show (until 11 October).
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