LONDON.- The Jerwood Gallery announced its show Knock Knock: Seven Artists in Hastings, which will open on 2 February 2013 and run until 17 April 2013.

Knock Knock is an exhibition of work by contemporary and internationally recognised artists with a close association to Hastings. The exhibition will showcase seven artists: Fiona Banner, Becky Beasley, Professor Stephen Buckley, Jane Hilton, Martin Maloney, Alessandro Raho and Mario Rossi. All of the artists operate internationally and have strong affiliations to Hastings, either living, working or playing in the vicinity.

Curated by artist, Professor Gerard Hemsworth, the show explores the variety and hugely different approach of these artists to their subject matter, creating a dynamic dialogue both between and beyond the works. Hemsworth explains his concept behind bringing the works of these artists together:

What is common in the works is a curious absurdity and a delightful awkwardness, where the artists manipulate both the language and concepts they employ. . . The viewer is invited to go beyond their expectations and address the complexity of these works, which are both disconcerting and haunting.

Liz Gilmore, Director of the Jerwood Gallery says: Hastings and the wider locality has a long history of being a creative magnet and catalyst for artists, many of whom like John Bratby RA (1928–1992) and Edward Burra (1905-1976) are represented in our collection. The town continues to be a vital source of inspiration for artists today.

Jerwood Gallery came to Hastings, in part because of its strong artistic tradition and profile. This show celebrates the town’s cultural richness, offering an internationally significant and ambitious show which has potential to challenge, surprise and delight us all.

The exhibition will open alongside a new hang of the Jerwood Gallery’s permanent collection rooms and the premier of Who’s There: One Year Later.

Approximately one third of the Jerwood Collection was exhibited when the gallery opened in March 2012 and the rehang will give the opportunity to showcase works, previously unseen, from the collection.