The Hospiscare Warehouse Shop in Exeter will open a unique exhibition featuring local artist, AM Afifi on 21 to 28 September. The Sculptures of Am Afifi will feature a selection of sculptures by Afifi, including the striking work Pamera, Portrait of Pamela Silkstone, The VS Lenswoman. The exhibition includes a selection of works from the artist’s private collection in a range of sizes and subjects which will be available to purchase. In addition, the pop-up gallery will be supported by pieces from various stages of the casting process and paintings of interest by other artists.
Afifi moved to the south coast of Devon to focus on his creative interests in 1986. Inspired by the ancient spirit of Omar Khayam and Rumi’s exotic poetry, his sculptural style is conceptual but deeply rooted in traditional techniques and classical forms. He has exhibited in Europe regularly since 1990.
“My art reflects my attitude to life and contains solemn and philosophical expressions counterbalanced by joyful and hedonistic imagery.” AM Afifi
Hospiscare received the generous donation of over 100 works from the artist’s family after a recent House Clearance. The pop-up gallery is a first for the local charity with the main shop area being cleared of the furniture, white goods and small electrical items usually on sale to create this unusual gallery space.
Shop manager, Craig says, “It’s definitely something a bit different for us. The family of the artist were kind enough to give us this incredibly generous donation via the Hospiscare House Clearance service so we thought it would be lovely to make an event of it. As Afifi was a local artist we thought it would be a great opportunity to celebrate his work, give the local community a chance to appreciate it and raise money for Hospiscare at the same time.
“We’ve had a lot of interest in the sculptures so far so we’re hoping the pop-up gallery will be really successful! The rest of the warehouse will remain open while the exhibition is taking place so it’ll be something a bit different for our regular customers too”
The Hospiscare Exeter Warehouse sells a large range of quality furniture, electrical items, bric-a-brac, books and records and can be found at 2 Trusham Road, Marsh Barton Trading Estate, EX2 8RB. Opening hours are 9am to 4:45pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
