The current exhibition at the Tokarska Gallery is Guest & Volunteers: Photographs by Mark Burton until 18 June.
These new, large-scale portraits by Mark Burton provide a rare glimps inside the Crisis Rough Sleepers Centre in London, which operates during Christmas each year. Cameras are usually banned from the Centre, but as a long-term volunteer Mark was given permission to capture a series of portraits depicting guests and volunteers.
The images portray the dignified and respectful relationships that develop at the Centre. This series of work also challenges perceptions of homelessness: the subjects removed identifying name badges or wristbands, often making it unclear who is the guest and who is the volunteer.
The Gallery is also organising a juried open exhibition of children's drawings in two categories: JUNIOR LEAGUE - 6-9 years old, and APPRENTICE LEAGUE - 10-15 years old. The 12 finalists selected in each League will have an exhibition of their work at Tokarska Gallery and a monetary prize of £50.00, £25.00 and £10.00 for first, second and third place respectively. A Private View and Award Ceremony will be held on 14 September (6-8pm) and the exhibition will run from 15-22 September.
The deadline for applications is 5 August 2011 and the competition is open to any child resident in Waltham Forest. To apply, send a selection of (3-6) drawings by your child by post to Tokarska Gallery: Drawing the Culture Competition, 163 Forest Rd, Walthamstow, London E17 6HE with a £5.00 cheque made to UKUA Express Limited. More information is available from web: http://www.tokarskagallery.co.uk/, tel: 0208 531 5419 / 07800545550; and email: info@tokarskagallery.co.uk.
commission4mission will exhibit at the Tokarska Gallery in December.
