Mann Up Exhibition
Mann Up is a showcase exhibition featuring ceramics, textiles and fine art pieces by artist, designer and lecturer Mark Mann.
Using the seductive qualities of ceramics, bronze and textiles, Mark’s work is a commentary on society, its injustices and its pleasures. The works explore historical themes with a contemporary relevance.
Mark’s current collection is a celebration of the domestic interiors created by homosexual men in a time when homosexuality was illegal. The work often uses coded imagery to convey queer meaning. ‘I wanted to create a collection inspired by the bravery of the queer interior.’ Centuries of persecution, a lack of public visibility and private space has forced queer individuals to have a unique relationship to design and the modern interior. ‘The meaning for me is in the material. I enjoy the idea that I use finely crafted facades to conceal ugly realities.’
Mark’s work uses motifs of flora and fauna applied through a combination of techniques to very traditional forms. These are used to carry a message, like Invasion; a textile design featuring same sex parakeets cavorting and mating. Following a degree in Fine Art and Psychology, Mark studied art education at Cambridge University. Teaching and lecturing for the past 16 years has allowed him to share his passion for art and design.
Growing up in rural Norfolk has influenced a love of nature and it is a place that continues to inspire his work. His love of textiles stems from a family history of needlework and quilting. Mann first received recognition for his textile work at the International Festival of Quilts 2014, winning for his collaboration with Bridget Mann; ‘Dear Mrs. Morcom’
While pursuing his MA in Textile Design, Mann received the Vice Chancellor’s post-graduate prize and a commendation from the Bradford Textile Society. He was awarded the Emerging Artist prize by Gallery in the Lanes at East Anglia Art Fund’s Heritage exhibition in 2018. Created by designer, lecturer and artist Mark Mann, who works in the UK and uses ceramics and printed textiles to create interiors and statement fine art pieces .
Prior to completing an MA in Textile Design he received international recognition though winning at the International festival of Quilts 2014. Mark has exhibited constructed and printed textiles at Premier Vision Paris in February 2017 and received a commendation from the Bradford textile society for printed textile designs. Marks works has also been selected for ‘And What ‘festival London.
Mark’s current collection is a celebration of the domestic interiors created by homosexual men in a time when homosexuality was illegal. The work often uses coded imagery to convey queer meaning. ‘I wanted to create a collection inspired by the bravery of the queer interior.’ Centuries of persecution, a lack of public visibility and private space has forced queer individuals to have a unique relationship to design and the modern interior. ‘The meaning for me is in the material. I enjoy the idea that I use finely crafted facades to conceal ugly realities.’ Mark’s work uses motifs of flora and fauna applied through a combination of techniques to very traditional forms. These are used to carry a message, like Invasion; a textile design featuring same sex parakeets cavorting and mating. Following a degree in Fine Art and Psychology, Mark studied art education at Cambridge University. Teaching and lecturing for the past 16 years has allowed him to share his passion for art and design. Growing up in rural Norfolk has influenced a love of nature and it is a place that continues to inspire his work. His love of textiles stems from a family history of needlework and quilting. Mark first received recognition for his textile work at the International Festival of Quilts 2014, winning for his collaboration with Bridget Mann; ‘Dear Mrs. Morcom’ While pursuing his MA in Textile Design, Mark received the Vice Chancellor’s post-graduate prize and a commendation from the Bradford Textile Society. Mark was awarded the Emerging Artist prize by Gallery in the Lanes at East Anglia Art Fund’s Heritage exhibition in 2018. Created by designer, lecturer and artist Mark Mann, who works in the UK and uses ceramics and printed textiles to create interiors and statement fine art pieces . Prior to completing an MA in Textile Design he received international recognition though winning at the International festival of Quilts 2014. Mark has exhibited constructed and printed textiles at Premier Vision Paris in February 2017 and received a commendation from the Bradford textile society for printed textile designs. Marks works has also been selected for ‘And What ‘festival London.