International Mystery Artists Team Up For Wrexham Exhibition

The topics of hidden identities and pseudonyms are to be explored in a new exhibition at a Wrexham art gallery.

A unique host of artwork by the A5 Collection will this evening launch its display at Undegun, which is located in the former JJB store on Regent Street.

‘Pairing Impossibilities: The Art of Sameness’ exhibit has been curated by Robert Stephen and features the work of the A5 Collection, a team of artists whose work centres on the concept of hidden identities and pseudonyms.

Robert Stephen has teamed up with Wrexham based THIS Project to host the unique exhibition which for the first time will bring together examples of work from all seven artists in one show.

Deceased landscape artists Ben D Gedig (real name Robert Lloyd Jones)

The purpose of the exhibition is to throw light into the darkest corners of the art world and to question the celebrity culture that goes hand-in-hand with being a famous artist.

The A5 Collective are a group of artists based in the United Kingdom, including deceased Ben D Gedig, Robert John Jones, Richard Head, The Ozniak Brothers and Drago Zalaznik.

Some members of the group have chose to remain anonymous because they believe the art they produce is more important than the artist. This is due to a reaction to contemporary fascination with celebrity and the pursuit of fame – a world where individuals can become famous for being famous.

Image & featured image – ONE

The Collective do not usually give interviews prior to their exhibitions, keeping quiet about precise details until after the unveiling. Their manifesto talks about how over the last 20 years the increased use of computers has created a shift in the way art is perceived.

A5 state: “We are interested in unfamiliar ways of interacting with different audiences and sharing a conviction that constantly evolving mobile technologies and information dissemination systems necessitate a more connected and accessible art.”

Undegun believe that bringing the A5 group to Wrexham will provide stimulating and exciting challenges for the local art scene, especially in terms of the unconventional way the artists have approached the exhibition.

The volunteer run gallery on Regent Street has been known for letting artists take a strong creative role in the curation of their own work with the support of the gallery’s team – but for them this will be taking the gallery experience to an entirely new level.

The ‘Samurai’ – Richard Head

Dave Gray from THIS Project said: “Working with a group of artists like the A5 group has meant we’ve had to keep many of the details of the exhibition shrouded in secrecy. We have worked with Robert Stephen who has acted as a middle-man between ourselves and some of the artists, and we have only been able to speak to them through secure channels in case the press of authorities are taking an interest in their activities.

“The challenge has proved worthwhile though and this really will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the work in its current form. We’re very excited to have the opportunity and we hope people will come along to the launch to experience the conundrum of the A5 Group for themselves.”

The launch of the A5 Collective’s work will take place this evening between 7pm and 9pm at Undegun on Regent Street. The exhibition will then run through until Saturday 29th August.

Undegun is open to the public weekly on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday between midday and 4pm.

More information on the members of A5 and their manifesto can be found on the THIS Project website.