A New Realism, curated by Glenn Adamson, will present eight practitioners whose work meets the present head-on, direct and immediate. They are “realists” in at least two senses: first, in a diverse art historical context; and second, as individualistic pragmatists.

The exhibition explores the range of historic resonances that the concept of ‘realism’ has for contemporary practice. Underpinning all of these complex concerns is a fundamental personal capability. The makers in A New Realism are just that – makers – who draw on deep wells of artisanal skill. All of these makers have experienced some disciplinary shift and flexibility over the course of their careers. Having trained in industrial design or fine art, they have found their way to craft for its generative possibilities.