Surreal installation features the work of Hull artist Paul Sowden
Arthouse Hull, an independent gallery-bar that champions artists without a voice, has tonight (Friday, December 5) unveiled LavArt, a surrealist art installation housed entirely within its accessible toilet. Created by Hull artist Paul Sowden, LavArt marks his first-ever public exhibition – despite the fact he has been making art since childhood, scaring neighbours since the 1950s, and generally refusing to play by the traditional art world rules.
Founded by Katherine Carmichael six years ago, Arthouse, in Princes Avenue, has become a haven for creative misfits and emerging artists. The space has grown into one of Hull’s most characterful cultural venues, known for live open mic nights, grassroots exhibitions and a community that “isn’t afraid to get weird”.
Paul said Katherine had “made something real; something for actual artists and actual people.” Paul has painted since he was a child and one of his earliest pieces – a bald, pregnant, armless woman – caused such a stir a neighbour ran screaming from the house.
An outsider artist ever since, by choice, the self-described “anarchist” has never before wanted a gallery space to show in, a spotlight or a sales catalogue. He is showing his work now – in the unconventional confines of a toilet – because Katherine bought him just enough pints to wear him down.
“There’s nothing deep and mystical about why I’m doing it,” he said. “Katherine kept asking. I finally said yes. If people like the work, great. If they don’t – well, that’s their problem.”
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Katherine said: “Paul has been dodging exhibitions for decades, so getting him to say yes feels like my greatest artistic achievement to date. It turns out all it took was persistence, pints, and the promise of an audience who wouldn’t expect him to behave.
“LavArt sums up what Arthouse is here to do: champion brilliant artists in unexpected places, without any of the usual art-world fuss.” LavArt began partly as a joke, partly in defiance at elitism, and partly thanks to Paul’s fascination with toilets in famous art galleries.
Over the years he has photographed toilets in museums around the world, planning to create a series of tongue-in-cheek forgeries and interventions. ArtHouse already had a reputation for its offbeat loo décor and Paul simply took it further.
“It’s the Sistine Chapel of what is often thought of as a run-down city. A toilet you want to spend time in. Probably too much time, which is the opposite of what a toilet’s for,” Paul said.
The installation blends new and old pieces, adapted specifically for the space. Only one person can view it at a time, amplifying the intimacy and oddity.
Elsewhere in the bar, a small selection of Paul’s older detailed gouache works – some originally taking up to 1,000 hours to complete – will be framed and displayed for a limited run. Behind the humour, LavArt carries a quiet message: that Art doesn’t need gatekeepers, polished plinths or white walls; that creativity lives in unexpected places and that Hull’s grassroots scene has more courage, heart and originality than many bigger institutions.
“If this blows away a bit of stuffiness in the art world, good. Hull deserves proper creativity. Katherine’s made a place for it,” said Paul.