Gallery Oldham is a unique and bold new landmark building that opened in February 2002. The £9m gallery forms the first phase of a new Cultural Quarter for Oldham. It was designed by architects Pringle Richards Sharratt and has received an award from the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Sculptural Ceramics by Halima Cassell on show at Gallery Oldham

The distinctive works of ceramicist Halima Cassell are on show at Gallery Oldham from 31 March to 18 August 2007 in a stunning exhibition entitled Sculptural Ceramics. Her deeply carved, contoured vessels and wall panels are heavily influenced by Islamic architecture and bold, repetitive African patterns. Dramatic lines and angles are used to achieve depth and colour variation on pieces that rarely use glaze.

To create her striking and original sculptures, Halima works with thick, textured clay on a large scale. Her recent work has been influenced by the structures of past and contemporary building styles. She is particularly interested in the relationship between internal space and a building's construction.

Her work has also taken direction from the observations and comments of visitors viewing her pieces. Cassell noted a distinct difference between viewing behaviours based on gender. She found that women generally favour spherical forms, whereas men are drawn towards square, angular pieces. Inspired by these observations, Halima has produced a body of work that utilises common design elements with an emphasis on balancing masculine and feminine form.

Halima Cassell was born in Pakistan and brought up in Manchester. She studied at the University of Lancashire where she gained a BA in 1997 and a MA in 3D Design in 2002. She has exhibited her work widely throughout Britain and internationally. Sculptural Ceramics is a touring exhibition from Mid Pennine Arts.

A free, 20 minute talk about Halima Cassell's work will take place at Gallery Oldham on Wednesday 11 April, 1pm.

For more information about Sculptural Ceramics, and Gallery Oldham's other exhibitions, events and activities call 0161 770 4653 or visit www.galleryoldham.org.uk The Gallery is located in Oldham's Cultural Quarter, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL. Gallery Oldham is open Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm (last admission 4.30pm), entrance is free.

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For further information contact:

Helen Russell on 0161 911 4743 or email helen.russell@oldham.gov.uk
Catherine Bradley on 0161 911 4741 or email catherine.bradley@oldham.gov.uk