About the Artist
Jason Wilsher-Mills is a disabled digital artist who initially trained as an oil painter. He later learned to ‘embrace the pixel’ and use digital technology when he became disabled. Jason has exhibited widely, both internationally and throughout the UK, including presenting work at V&A Late, Tate Exchange at Tate Modern and Liberty Festival, London. He has produced commissions for Sky Arts, ITV, the British Council and the Houses of Parliament and was the recipient of the prestigious Adam Reynolds Award 2020.
Jason’s work celebrates disability, his northern working-class heritage, popular culture from his childhood and the life experiences of other disabled people. These themes are explored through cutting edge technologies, resulting in Jason’s brightly coloured, large-scale, humorous art. When asked what his work is about, he simply replies – ‘Think ‘I, Daniel Blake’ meets ‘The Beano’.’
Initially, the use of technology in place of the more traditional mediums posed a challenge, as he felt conflicted about the validity of making digital art, considering it a betrayal of his traditional training. However, following the purchase of an iPad in 2011, he came to truly embrace the possibilities of digital technology to create art and expand his practice from purely two-dimensional work.
This transition from analogue to digital has allowed Jason to greatly extend his artistic voice, enabling him to create a stunning array of both two and three-dimensional work. Lightbox installations, three dimensional prints, fibreglass and large-scale inflatable sculptures, as well as wallpapers and floor coverings are now part of his creative repertoire. Jason then adds further depth to his artworks by embedding hidden digital content within. These augmented reality experiences are unlocked through free to download apps which are available for both iPhones and Android mobiles through Google Play and the App Store.
For more information about the artist: https://www.jwmartist.co.uk
About the Exhibition
Jason & his Argonauts is an Arts Council England funded project, which sees Jason working with disabled communities around the UK to design the work, including Venture Arts in Manchester and groups in North Lincolnshire, Hull, Corby and London.
Exploring themes of disability, this new body of work tells the stories of these geographically diverse, learning-disabled groups, mixing them with Jason’s own biography, creating new narratives and myths about the artist.
At the centre of this exhibition is Jason’s most ambitious work to date; a 10 metre long inflatable sculpture which has been designed so that visitors can walk through it and interact with images inside the ‘tunnel’. This giant sculpture relates people’s stories from the Changing Places movement – a campaign calling for fully accessible toilets equipped with height adjustable changing benches, tracking hoists and space for two carers, to be installed in all large public venues throughout the UK.
For smaller venues, two scaled-down versions of the Changing Places Argonaut inflatable sculpture are available, depending on the requirements of your space.
This Changing Places Argonaut is accompanied by a selection of Jason’s other vibrant, hyper-joyful artworks:
An introductory animation voiced by Jason Wilsher-Mills. (Screen is provided).
Four fibre-glass sculptures – Brave Billy Boy, The Corby Rocker, The PIP Princess and I am Argonaut.
Two sets of Dibond Argonaut ‘Wallpaper’ Panels
Six Wall-Mounted Lightboxes
Corby Angel – Interactive digital artwork. (Screen and all equipment provided).
Magnetic interactive – Make Your Own Jason Wilsher-Mills Character
Jason will also be available for in person or virtual workshops at an additional cost.
The hire fee for the exhibition will be in the region of £3500 per eight-week period plus onward transportation and includes:
- Delivery and assistance with installation and dismantling. Collection of the exhibition will be carried out by 20-21 and will be charged at cost.
- Text panels and labels with display stands.
- A video presentation of the artist talking about his work. (Hire venue to provide TV screen).
For further information, please call Janine Parrish on 01724 297070 / 297076 or email: janine.parrish@northlincs.gov.uk
Tour Schedule
| 20-21 Visual Arts Centre | 9 October 2021 to 8 January 2022 |
| Exhibition available | 12 February to 23 April 2022 |
| darts, Doncaster | 30 April to 2 July 2022 |
| Hastings Museum | 9 July to 4 September 2022 |
| Exhibition available | 10 September to 29 October 2022 |
| Harley Gallery, Worksop | 5 November to 21 January 2023 TBC |
| Exhibition available | From 28 January 2023 onwards |
More Images of Work by Jason Wilsher-Mills
