Arts and Literature

Held in Urbis across the weekend for influential music conference In The City, the Expo is a chance for artists, both local and continental, to exhibit, discuss and trade examples of their work, with particular attention being paid to the gig poster.

Drew Millward's Liam Frost poster

Just like music itself, musical artwork has had re-invent itself to stay vibrant. In recent years, the art of the gig poster has changed, with a handful of artists taking on the idea of the limited edition, something which has saved the physical single from total disregard, and started producing short runs for selected gigs.

It is something which has been gathering pace in America for several years, but it’s only recently that European artists have started to catch up, finding distribution for their art and getting it out there for the public to see.

Michael Cowell's Anslinger poster

The Expo features work from such artists, including Nick Rhodes, Drew Millward, Luke Drozd, Graham Pilling, Mr Scruff, John Walsh, Nick Fry, Michael England, Airside, Glyn Smith, Chris Drury and the wonderful monickered Bear Hackenbush.

Their techniques are as diverse as their art, encompassing screenprinting, giclee, offset and linocut, and the results are nothing short of amazing. Most importantly, the work, whilst illustrating elements of a band’s particular style, can also stand as individual pieces of art.

You can judge for yourself whether they have captured the creativity of their chosen subjects and created something that is as long-lived and enjoyable as the music itself at Urbis on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 October. Entry is free.