Pop up exhibit to showcase outsider artist’s work for the first time

Saturday, 20 April 2024 17:51

By Yana Trup

Nick Fraser (left) with lifelong friend and muse Mark O’Shaughnessy (right) at the first exhibition of Nick's work in Lewisham Library, over 30 years ago. (Photo credit: Marcus O’Shaughnessy)

For the first time in over 30 years, the public will be able to see the artworks of Nick Fraser, a pioneer of the outsider art style.

The pop up will take place at Burston Garden Centre in St Albans as part of their St George’s day community event on Tuesday 23 April, from 4pm - 7pm.

Mr Fraser, originally from London’s East End, was often referred to as ‘the East End’s Van Gogh’, and this exhibition of his work will be the first of its kind before the collection moves around the world.

It will be presented by Mr Fraser’s lifelong friend Mark O’Shaughnessy and his son Marcus, who have been entrusted with the task of curating and sharing his artistry, to lift it from the shadows.

Marcus O’Shaughnessy, the curator of the exhibition and co-custodian of Nick Fraser Art, said: “We will have a carefully handpicked range to show the various scale of Nick’s paintings and also time and style from the very start of his artistic journey, to his masterpieces towards the end. I’m most looking forward to having the privilege of bringing Nick's work to light, sharing his story and supporting the wider community.”

The exhibition will be accompanied by a performance by pianist and outsider artist, Bothai, as well as Morris dancing, BBQ, face painting, various food tastings and demonstrations throughout the community event.

A community arts organisation called Imaginative Reaction has also been launched in Nick Fraser’s memory, to continue his work to promote inclusivity and support outsider artists and their communities. To find out more about its mission, click here: https://www.imaginative-reaction.org/

For more information about the event, follow this link: https://www.burston.co.uk/event/st-georges-day-event/

To learn more about Nick Fraser and his artwork, check out his website: https://www.nickfraserartist.com/

More from Local Vibes: News

The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (28th April - 3rd May 2024)

Video

Get ready for a great stream of TV with these amazing features! From new films to iconic duos returning, you will not want to miss my top five must-sees this week…
The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (21st - 26th April 2024)

Video

Reality TV and high dramas are leading the way in keeping us entertained from today! With new dating formats, musical legends and bargain holidays on the schedule, you can’t miss my top five this week…
NHS Trust launches five-year plan to transform services and facilities

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s (WHTH) five-year plan will aim to build on current services, facilities, and care across the region for more than 600,000 people.
The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (14th - 19th April 2024)

Video

From the longest ever episode of a childhood classic to a new member of the team, this week brings a whole range of fun filled viewing. It seems the sunshine has brought a sense of pure entertainment from the looks of my top five things to see over the next few days…
Local Elections: A guide on how to vote

On Thursday 2 May, the country is set to head to the polls for a local election.
Cancer support charity launches new online wellbeing tool

Cancer Compass is a free online tool that allows anyone living with or beyond cancer to check their emotional wellbeing and find the right support.