Flourishing clubs are a sign of a healthy society and Sandwell has many thriving clubs. In a newly commissioned work for The Public, artist Geoff Broadway explores the way local people get together to be active and creative. Ranging from writing to gardening, painting to dance, this fascinating exhibition celebrates the creativity and commitment of local people.
Although taking part in seemingly diverse and unrelated activities, each person featured here becomes united by their singular love for their chosen hobby. Listening to the individuals speak we are able to pick out common themes in what they say, notably the sense of community their group provides and the satisfaction in creating or achieving something new. The singularity of the message is further implied by the dislocation of the voice from the speaker. We are never quite sure who is actually talking, but the sentiment of what they are saying could easily be said by all.
Broadway is an artist whose creative process centres on meeting with and listening to people. The portraits he creates in For the love of it are considered and reflective. Using the formal composition of the triptych alongside technically accomplished lighting and editing, his subjects are invested with a big-screen importance. Everyone has their own value and control over the context within which they are presented – that of their activity.
Geoff Broadway is multi-disciplinary artist working with light, sound, photography and video and often shows his work as installations. He graduated from the University of Derby in 1997 with an Mphil that explores digital montage. He has undertaken many residencies and commissions including Durham Cathedral (2000 – 2001) and the Cultural Centre in Macedonia (2009).