James Tortice celebrates his eleventh birthday this week. While I’m sure he’ll enjoy presents, cards and cake, the highlight of his week may well be on Saturday, his first solo art exhibition.
Basement Arts Project has a reputation for supporting new artists, but James will be their youngest yet. James will be selling his art to raise money for charity. The charities James supports are always personally important to him – an ADHD support group who helped him fulfil his potential (James is autistic and has ADHD) and charities that support other children he knows who are facing challenges.
His lovebird greeting cards (featured image) were designed to raise money for Oscar, who was born in 2022, with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The cards, which would make a wonderful Valentine’s message, will be on sale alongside framed original art.
I have been following James’ artistic journey since he first gained recognition for his charity artwork in 2021, being commissioned by The Tetley to produce a card for sale in their shop. Since then, I’ve seen James develop an awareness of artistic styles – note the Van Gogh influenced Minion in the exhibition – and become a more proficient artist.
James was recently given a lesson on portraiture, courtesy of Blue Peter. His resultant portrait of presenter Joel Mawhinney was put on display at the National Portrait Gallery. His usual subjects are animals, including his dog, Cookie. He also produces landscapes, often influenced by the vibrant colours of computer games.
I have seen how over time his subjects have developed more personality. A menacing leopard and a decidedly perky emu are amongst recent artworks. My personal favourite is a hare, full of energy, ready to bound from the paper.
James hung his own exhibition. The bare walls of the Basement allow artists to display their work in whatever way they like. Somehow, the battered bricks and peeling plaster offer more potential than the white paintwork of your average gallery. The detritus of previous exhibitions, paint on the wall and glitter on the floor, add to the atmosphere.
Many people believe art galleries are not for them. Here is a gallery that everyone can relate to, part of an ordinary terraced house. The man behind Basement Arts, Bruce Davies, tells me that while sixty percent of visitors are from the artistic community and visit numerous galleries, the other forty percent are local residents.
Siting the gallery in a working-class suburb makes it accessible to everyone. The position, on Back Burton Terrace, near the busy intersection of Tunstall and Dewsbury Roads, encourages visits while shopping at Aldi or local Asian and East European supermarkets.
The gallery has now been operating for twelve years but Bruce recently gave up his job at the Henry Moore Institute to devote himself to the project. Last year saw the gallery expand outwards, when Keith Ackerman’s sculpture Jacob’s Ladder was winched into place on newly landscaped ground around the corner from the gallery. Sculpture workshops involving members of the public have been held on the restored green space. James was one of the people who helped to carve stone benches for the area.
Basement Arts holds regular exhibitions and performances throughout the year. Although the gallery wants to encourage local talent, they also host national and international artists. September will see exterior and interior performances by Claire Angel Bonner, an Australian musician currently living in Italy, who performs classical guitar works of the 19th Century.
Bruce would like this little corner of Leeds to become an artistic gateway to the City. Located just off the motorway, the area links the City Centre to routes to Wakefield and beyond. He has already noticed people stopping by to view Jacob’s Ladder on their way to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. There is also a plan to increase the visibility of art further by painting a mural on the gable end of a local terrace.
The exhibition of work by James will be for one day only, Saturday 15th July 12 noon until 5pm. James will be there to talk about his art and Bruce will be happy to talk about the work of Basement Arts. As you enter the building and head downstairs, you pass through a kitchen with walls covered in art. These are reminders of previous exhibitions, either bought from the artists or donated to the project.
I hope other young people will visit the exhibition and be inspired to engage creatively. James has found that art helps him remain calm and improve his focus. Moreover, it’s helped him raise money for good causes and given him a social purpose in a world that can sometimes be alienating for neurodivergent individuals.
The artwork is both accessible and affordable. I suggest you get there early if you want to bag your favourite piece of art by James.
James’ Saturday Charity Takeover
Saturday 15th July 12pm-5pm
Basement Arts Project
28 Back Burton Terrace, Beeston, Leeds, LS11 5JH
https://www.basementartsproject.com/james-saturday-takeover-charity-sale
