Solihull Arts Complex

Solihull’s links to the Surrealist art movement will be celebrated this Spring with a new exhibition in Solihull town centre.

‘Surreal Solihull’ takes as its starting point the work of Solihull’s pioneering Surrealist artist and poet Emmy Bridgwater who founded and worked with the Birmingham Surrealists throughout the 1930s and 40s. As well as featuring several pieces painted, collaged and drawn by Emmy Bridgwater, 30 local artists have been commissioned to create new Surrealist art works which will be shown for the first time at the exhibition.

Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Wazma Qais, said: “The ‘Surrealist Manifesto’ was published just over 100 years ago in 2024, but Surrealist art continues to influence contemporary art, fashion and interior design.

“‘Surreal Solihull’ will shine a light on Solihull’s very own Surrealist, Emmy Bridgwater, and also provide a space for emerging and established contemporary local artists to engage with this exciting and thought- provoking art movement. I am excited to see what they will produce!”

Contemporary artist, Helen Grundy, who regularly exhibits around the world, was thrilled to have been selected. She said: “Emmy Bridgwater was an important part of the Surrealist movement and I am delighted she is being rediscovered and her work is finding a new audience.

“My piece ‘Bird Land’ is a homage to her work and promotes my belief that she is an inspiration to modern artists. In my piece she is a hybrid – part human, part bird – and she towers over a surreal imagined landscape that represents a dreamlike version of Solihull.”

‘Surreal Solihull’ will take place from 6 March – 31 May 2025 in an outdoor gallery on Solihull High Street. Full details of all the artists and supporting events will be available in February.

Free to visit, it has been developed thanks to funding from West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and in partnership with Solihull Council, Visit Solihull, The Mayor Gallery in London, the Emmy Bridgwater Estate and Solihull BID.