As a part of Home of Metal, Centrala is delighted to present a two-part exhibition.
'I is somebody else’ results from the inspiration of Polish alternative culture of the ‘70s and ‘80s, including the ritual, inherent in heavy metal, which strives to transgress social and cultural norms and makes experiencing one’s own individuality possible. Przemek Branas is particularly fascinated with impersonation, indigenous to the alternative culture, symbolised by the figure of the mask and the disguise, which are an integral part of the shamanic, heavy metal music rituals such as gigs and festivals.
‘Looking beyond the concrete wall’, plays on an idea of a customized basement of a block of flats as a shared space for metal music fans. Displayed materials include home-made zines from 70’s and 80’s, interviews with researchers, creators and metalheads involved in alternative music culture in Poland. The exhibition also presents photos of Polish underground communities in 70’s and 80’s. All displayed items embody the fascination of a raw and vivid subculture, which for many people was considered as an escape from political issues of that time.
Opening event
with Przemek Branas live performance 27/06/2019 6.00PM - 9.00PM
CEE Artist Network Event Former Poundland in West Bromwich, 06.06.2019 6PM
Centrala’s CEE network events are a space for Central and Eastern European Artists to present their work to their peers and network with other artists and curators working in, or with, the CEE community.
Discussion Film Club - A Diary of a Journey West Bromwich Library, 29.06.2019 1PM
During the next Discussion Film Club we will screen A Diary of a Journey, a movie about an old master of Polish photography who travels across Poland with his 15-year-old friend to take portrait photographs of the residents of small towns and villages.
A rare live outing from Danielle Cawdell. She will perform new material from her forthcoming release and critically acclaimed debut album. Supported by Oystercatcher and Layla Tutt
Freshly after the festival, Thinking/Not Thinking returns with an impressive looking collection of improvisers, many of whom are making their Birmingham debut.
The film essentially uncovers one little-known story of unimaginable humanity, generosity and kindness. Towards the end of WW2 the Polish ambassadorial team in Bombay, led by determined heroine Kira Banasinska and supported by a local Maharaja, dispatched a convoy of food relief thousands of miles to Soviet Siberian labour camps where Polish women and children were starving.
Centrala Café teamed up with Cakesmiths a perfect combination with a slice of tasty cake: our seasonalChocolate Guinness Milk Stout, a variety of gluten-free cakes: Carrot & Orange, Lemon Drizzleand vegan option: Dark cherry & Marzipan.
Indulge yourself to our the finest selections of Vegetarian and Vegan organic products such as Teapigs, Whole Earth Drinks, Fritz Kola, ICE KITCHEN ice lollies, diverse range of snacks and mostly to our homemade traditional Polish dish 'PIEROGI' dumplings stuffed with various fillings such as feta cheese with spinach, potato with cheese, sauerkraut with mushrooms, red lentils with tomatoes or sweet cheese all served with a Sour Cream Dip and Salad.
Centrala is a unique, multi-functional space incorporating a gallery, event space, café and meeting rooms. We are a space for people to come together, be creative and engage with the arts, culture, history and social politics of Central and Eastern Europe.
We are the only publicly funded gallery for Central and Eastern European art in the UK, and the only such space outside London with a national and international reach. We are the only organisation of our kind in Arts Council England’s National Portfolio and the only gallery to focus on socially-engaged art and artists from Central and Eastern Europe.
Unit 4 Minerva Works 158 Fazeley Street Birmingham B5 5RT te. 0121 439 3050
