Surrealism
August – September 2024
Depot brings you a celebration of all things surreal! This programme of films and events running through the summer invites you to delve into your unconscious mind and explore the playful, uncanny, wonderfully weird world of surrealism in art and film.
We’ll be screening films that span the last century, seeing how filmmakers from Jean Cocteau to David Lynch to Satoshi Kon have used abstract imagery to dissect and satirise social conventions.
We’re thrilled to collaborate with Farley Arts Trust to bring you the exhibition ‘Wonderfully Surreal’, showcasing photography that engages with the art of acclaimed artist and photojournalist Lee Miller. Miller is the subject of the new film Lee, starring Kate Winslet and Josh O’Connor, which will be screening in September.
Depot’s Artwave exhibition this year will also tie in with the theme of surrealism. We are currently accepting submissions of work in all styles and mediums (see below for submission guidelines).
Finally, we invite you to join us for a supper club like no other! Inspired by the life and cooking of Lee Miller, our head chef has designed a deliciously strange menu for our Surreal Supper Club. Don your most avant-garde outfits and prepare for a night of surprising culinary delights. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for some highly unusual cocktail specials making an appearance in Robert’s Bar!
Farleys House and Gallery
Farleys House and Gallery, the former home of photography legend Lee Miller, are celebrating 75 years since the house was transformed into a haven for some of the most important artists of the 20th Century.
Ahead of the release of the major motion picture ‘LEE’ this September, explore the true story with new exhibitions, events and free entry to the galleries and garden on 22 & 23 August. Find out more.
Films in this season
Surrealist Inspired Life Drawing
Thursday 12 & Thursday 19 September, 19:00 – 21:00 in the Studio, 18+
£13
All levels of experience are welcome. Drawing and collage materials will be provided.
As part of Depot’s Surrealism season, local artist Lucinda Wait will host two life drawing classes. These will be an evening of creative drawing with a themed life model inspired. Lucinda will encourage you to be inspired by the great surrealist artist Magritte and beyond.
Lucinda studied at the Barcelona Academy of Art joining a new community of figurative artists who feel passionately about preserving and passing on the ways of the Masters. She loves to capture what is unique about each of her subjects and share this passion through her teaching.
Surreal Supper Club
Wednesday 18 September, 20:00
£35 per head
Don your most avant-garde outfits and prepare for a night of surprising culinary delights, inspired by the life and cooking of photographer, photojournalist and artist Lee Miller.
Menu:
Starter – Root Pavlova (v)
Palate Cleanser – Bloody Sorbet (vg)
Mains – Lamb a la Medina OR Cairo Cauliflower (v)
Dessert – Penrosemanche (v)
To uphold the mystery, we will only be revealing the full details and appearance of each dish at the event. Please let us know and dietary requirements in advance.
Booking is now closed for the Surrealism Supper Club.
Wonderfully Surreal Exhibition
24, 25 & 31 August and 1 September, 10:00 – 17:00.
Location: Depot Studio. Entry: Free
Presented in collaboration with the Farley Arts Trust
“Wonderfully Surreal” is an exhibition of photographs exploring the art of Lee Miller, subject of the soon to be released film ‘Lee’, starring Kate Winslet. The remarkable photographs are of the 15 winning art works in a competition celebrating the work of students at East Sussex schools and Colleges, organised by the Farley Arts Trust.
The Trust supports school and College art students and their teachers across the county; drawing inspiration from the artistic legacy created by Roland Penrose and Lee Miller. They lived after the Second World War in London and at Farleys House in Chiddingly, East Sussex. Many of the most significant Surrealist and Modernist artists, poets and writers of the 20th century spent time with them at their Sussex home.
Artwave at Depot
Artwave at Depot: Surrealism
7 – 22 September 2024
Artwork by Jana Nicole
Free Exhibition: 7-8, 14-15 & 21-22 Sep
11:00 – 16:00
Location: Depot Studio
As part of Artwave, Depot will be holding an open exhibition of art created by the public, – exploring the world of the subconscious, manifesting dream and nightmare visions into physical art forms.