Solo Show by Tiago da Cruz to be exhibited in Southport at the ArtHouse

AN exciting new figurative exhibition is scheduled to wow visitors to the ArtHouse in Southport later this month.

Described by the artist as:- "an amalgamation of personal experiences, cultural influences and the exploration of detachment," this premiere showcase has been harvested from the creative mind of Portuguese born painter, Tiago da Cruz.

"The exhibition contains some paintings I produced in the last 5 years, and it portrays the passive view of different characters in varied actions."

Arriving in the UK around 4 years ago, Tiago's intriguing subjects are captured with a freedom of expression that impacts on the viewer with almost carnivalesque bravura.

"The paintings are highly influenced by the warm climate and the traditional sluggish lifestyle I experienced throughout my childhood in Portugal."

A graduate of Portugal's celebrated art school, Faculdade de Belas-Artes da Universidade de Lisboa, Tiago's curious canvases capture scenes from daily life that resonate with an implied sense of mystery and intrigue.

"The work I produced shows diverse figures secretly admiring their existence while detached from the world and external judgment. The apathetic bodies are, at times, an extension of my own experiences, and my overall disinterested disposition, suggesting a deeply introspective and contemplative aspect to the world around me".

Tiago's paintings echo with the same narrative storytelling that fellow Portuguese artist, Paula Rego's psychologically charged depictions of human dramas also conjured up throughout her lifework.

"I would say I enjoy Rego's work due to the themes in her paintings and drawings. Her work is often met with a personal and mature take on tradition folks and stories, mostly stories I grew up with." 

For the last 3 years, Diago has operated from his Southport studio on the top floor of the ArtHouse, in Eastbank Street.

"Most ideas come to me while I am in the studio, and I usually work straight onto the canvas without previous sketches."

As well as Paula Rego, Tiago has been highly influenced by New York visual artist, George Condo, who's own portraiture always focused on:- 'ordinary' people rather than the:- 'glamorous' glitterati that proliferate popular culture.

Tiago's own distinctive portrayal of the human body has its own identifiable key ingredient.

"The figures are often quite round in shape and I tend to hide their mouths; probably due to working with the public throughout all the lockdowns and the Covid Pandemic."

Certainly not 1 to be missed, this latest showing by Tiago will be on display at the ArtHouse, Eastbank Street, Southport, from:- 14 May to 1 June 2024.

Aldi asks Merseyside customers where to open next store

ALDI has launched a new nationwide initiative to pinpoint prime locations for new store openings.

Recognising the invaluable input of its customers, the UK's 4th biggest supermarket is calling on the nation to help it identify where in Britain needs new Aldi stores most.

The areas which have the most suggestions will then be considered as part of Aldi's commitment to build hundreds of new stores across Britain.

Aldi has been on a rapid expansion drive in recent years and has seen its popularity soar as shoppers switch to the supermarket for its lower prices and great quality amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The retailer currently has more than 1,000 stores; including around 33 in Merseyside; and is committed to continuing towards its long term target of over 1,500 stores across the UK.

Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate, at Aldi UK, said:- "We want to make high quality food accessible to all, but there are still some areas that either don't have an Aldi or have potential for more stores. We've identified some key places where there is demand for more stores already, but now we are calling on the public to share their views. This will be used to help inform our property search over the coming years."

Those wanting to put their Town forward to be considered should contact the supermarket by emailing:- NextNewStore@Aldi.Co.UK, clearly stating their postcode and why they believe their area needs a new Aldi store.

Aldi is asking for suggestions to be submitted by:- 31 May 2024, with the supermarket planning to update customers on the results and its latest priority:- 'wish list' later this year.

For more information on Aldi's nationwide site requirements, visit:- ALDI.Co.UK.

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