Hicks presents new photographs of the urban landscape of Wolverhampton, turning his attention to the city and its surrounding areas, including Bushbury, Heath Town, Graiseley and Horseley Fields.
His working method is influenced by psychogeographic practices, particularly the concept of the ‘Derive’ (or drift) – the idea that drifting through an urban environment without a clear purpose is the best way to fully experience it.
The exhibition forms part of an ongoing project, Black Country Type, where Hicks applies his unique aesthetic to the region, focusing on words, typography, handmade lettering and signs. He also photographs ‘types’ of architectural features, objects and the post industrial landscape of the area.
Hicks takes photographs while either walking or cycling, which he feels is the best way to fully observe buildings, signs and features in the landscape. As this new collection of images demonstrates, this approach gives him access to the hidden and the overlooked zones of the city.
Councillor Harman Banger, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy said: “This exhibition really shows the diversity of the city and the different things that people see on their day to day travels.
“There are lots of recognisable places and I hope visitors to the exhibition will take inspiration from how our wonderful city has been captured.”
The images in this collection range from large scale Victorian architecture to hand painted domestic garages. While the subject matter could be considered ‘everyday’ in nature, Hicks’ approach conveys the idea that ‘Beauty is in the Street’.
Tom Hicks has worked in the City of Wolverhampton for 2 decades and has exhibited widely across the Black Country and Birmingham. For more information visit Black Country Type.
The exhibition is free to see and can be seen at the gallery during the opening times of Monday to Saturday (10.30am to 4.30pm) and Sunday (11am to 4pm).
