THE DOgS - Poems by Michael Stewart and Illustrations from Louis Benoit, Sculpture from Moira Benoit and Music from Dr Hyunkook Lee and Katia Sochazewska - book launch and exhibition of work at Artworks - The Everybody Gallery.
July 1st - August 12th 2023. Thursday - Saturday 12pm - 3pm.
*Originals and Prints are available to buy.
THE DOgS
The DOgS Exhibition and Poetry Book Launch - July 1st - August 12th at Artworks, The Everybody Gallery, Halifax - A Celebration of Dogs.
The Dogs is an exhibition of poetry by Michael Stewart and illustrations from Artist Louis Benoit, who together have formed a great partnership for their upcoming Exhibition and Book Launch of The DOgS happening at Artworks, The Everybody Gallery, Halifax.
Joining this Dynamic duo is Artist, Moira Benoit who has created some amazing Sculptures of Dogs inspired by Louis, her son/illustrator and by Michael Stewart's Poems from the book. . There is also a Music Soundscape by musicians, Dr Hyunkook Lee and Katia Sochaczewska.
Throughout the Exhibition, The DOgS there will be workshops with Artist/illustrator Louis Benoit and Author, Michael Stewart and a final Party to reveal the Big Painting of all the Dogs paws, that is being created at the RSPCA K9 - Party in the Park on Sunday 2nd of July at Manor Park Heath, Halifax - 11am - 3pm. All details will be on the Artwork's Website https://www.theartworks.org.uk/news/the-dogs
Author
Michael Stewart
Michael Stewart’s debut novel, King Crow (Bluemoose Books), was the winner of the Guardian’s Not-the-Booker Award and has been selected as a recommended read for World Book Night. He has written two other novels: Café Assassin (Bluemoose Books) and Ill Will: The Untold Story of Heathcliff (HarperCollins); two short fiction collections: Mr Jolly (Valley Press) and Four Letter Words (Wrecking Ball Press); two poetry collections: Couples (Valley Press) and The Dogs (Smokestack Books); and a hybrid memoir: Walking the Invisible: Following in the Brontës’ Footsteps (HarperCollins).
He is the creator of the Brontë Stones project, four monumental stones situated in the landscape between the birthplace and the parsonage, inscribed with poems by Kate Bush, Carol Ann Duffy, Jeannette Winterson and Jackie Kay, which he delivered in collaboration with the Bradford Literature Festival.
Find out more about him here: www.michael-stewart.org.uk or find him on Twitter @headspam
Illustrator
Louis Benoit
It has been obvious from early years that Louis has an exceptional drawing ability and drawing has stayed with him through life and even education; schools and art school never quite suited Louis and a late diagnosis of Autism was to explain why. Art has been a skill he can excel at and express his ideas and humour. Louis has an unusual view on things and thinks that he ‘thinks differently’ which is interesting to others. Drawing is an activity to Louis and his aim is to get that energy and immediacy down there on the paper which is why his tools of choice are the pen and ink. No going back – just do it!
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By chance Michael came across Louis’ work and for him Louis had to be the illustrator for his new book of poems; THE DOgS . In turn Louis loved Michael’s poetry. Both share an ability to impact yet enjoy exploring detail. The viewer or reader cannot help but be drawn into their work.
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Both also share the love of DOGS.
Louis’ artistic hero is Ralph Steadman who was made familiar with Louis work and here is his response which Louis will always treasure:
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‘Bless my Soul!!! Louis Benoit is BLOODY GOOD - and MESSY TOO!!! He Blots a lot - BUT he controls it all too!! WELL DONE!!!!!’
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Ralph Steadman
2011 BA Illustration The Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee.
2013 4 Ways group exhibition, Artworks.
2015 The Scottish Show, Stafford Gallery, London.
The Gallery on the Corner, Edinburgh.
2016 The Illustrated Jackass solo show at The Artsmill, Hebden Bridge.
2017 Awarded The Guardians Young Cartoonist of the Year.
Winner of The Hoffman Prize for Art
Since 2011 Louis has occupied a studio here at Artworks which has given him a welcome space to work and continued involvement in art of The Everybody School of Art. Artworks, Halifax.
