BCU artists to showcase work alongside icons at Birmingham Museum reopening

Students at Birmingham City University (BCU) will have their work on display alongside pieces by some of Britain’s most iconic artists as the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery partially reopens.

The ‘Deviance and Difference’ exhibition has been curated by BCU Visiting Professor Osman Yousefzada and features creations by the celebrated Francis Bacon, Grayson Perry and Barbara Hepworth.

“I was approached by Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and knew this was a perfect opportunity to put some of my students’ works next to the masters,” said Birmingham artist Yousefzada.

“I wanted to open doors to the students I was teaching over the last year, to bridge the outside world to the School of Art.”

The exhibition will largely be made up of female and diverse artists to help promote the work of under-represented communities.

“Birmingham is the UK’s first minority-majority city, so this show reflects those who are marginalised and gives them a spotlight,” said Yousefzada.

MA Fine Art student Tia Johnson is one of the artists showcasing her work, with her photographic series titled ‘Silent Withering’.

“Being shown amongst so much talent is that bit of reassurance that my work can stand for something and be shown in environments which is overwhelmingly surrounded by so much talent,” the 23-year-old from Wolverhampton said.

“I am proud of myself for pushing through the last few months because to have an opportunity like this just the first step into this next chapter.”

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in Chamberlain Square closed in November 2022 for renovation works.

Toby Watley, Director of Collections and Estate at Birmingham Museums Trust. said: “We are thrilled to be able to host this exhibition curated by renowned artist Osman Yousefzada, showcasing new artworks by BCU art graduates alongside iconic works from Birmingham’s museum collection.

“Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has always supported Birmingham-based artists at different stages in their careers, so we are delighted to include this exhibition in our reopening programme.”