John Lyons: Carnivalesque

The spring begins with the first major retrospective exhibition of Caribbean British artist and poet John Lyons.

Spanning six decades, the exhibition will survey his contribution to British art, literature and art education, centred on his exploration of Trinidadian folklore and mythology through painting and poetry. The show includes paintings, drawings and woodcuts, with selected small sculptures and sketchbooks. It includes Lyons’ poetry via text and sound, and importantly, explores the links between his visual and literary practices. An archival element considers Lyons’ long career in art education and the arts ecosystem in Manchester, West Yorkshire, and nationally. The exhibition and accompanying illustrated catalogue bring greater visibility and recognition at a timely moment in his long career.

Press release

Read the full press release: https://bit.ly/JohnLyonsPR
For all press and media queries please contact: whitworthpress@manchester.ac.uk 

John Lyons: Carnivalesque
Poetry Commission – Open Call (now closed)

The Whitworth is working with Manchester Poetry Library to commission two poets from the North West or West Yorkshire region to produce new creative responses to John Lyons’ paintings and poetry.
The submission deadline (21 April 2024) has passed. We will share news of the commissioned poetry later this summer.
Read about this project>

10 May – 25 August 2024

#JohnLyons
#Carnivalesque

Image: John Lyons, Mama Look a Mas Passin, detail, 1990
Oil on canvas, 1270 x 1020mm
Courtesy of the artist © John Lyons. Photo: Anne-Katrin Purkiss