SOUTH West Artwork has produced a new contemporary art exhibition at Poole Lighthouse.

It runs alongside the circus show Flown by Pirates of the Carabina and Dorset Art Weeks and can be viewed in the Lighthouse Gallery until June 21.

Backed by Arts Council England, the exhibition explores relevant themes found within the circus spectacle such as chaos, suspense and near-collapse, focusing on the use of such tools within the realm of entertainment.

Selected artists from the local non-profit organisation South West Artwork produced short research–based projects and developed their findings into artworks for the exhibition which include intricate pen and ink illustrations, large scale collage, abstract painting, sculpture as well as an exciting interactive spray paint and chalk installation.

A new composition was also created to accompany the exhibition space – The Object Manipulator by James Lee, a local sound designer.

Exhibiting artists include Pete Sheridan, Donna Enticknap, Pete Treglown, Gilly Vincent and Susan Wicker.

The artists had the chance to meet with the theatre production company of Flown during their research period to help them inspire their final pieces.

Laura Mulhern, company director of South West Artwork said: “We are really delighted with the chance to enable our artists to research and produce new work. Our organisation is all about offering opportunities for emerging contemporary artists to exhibit locally and with the backing of the Arts Council this project has been a great success for all involved. We are planning our next already.”

The exhibition was curated by fellow South West Artwork director Chris Lee.

For more details visit southwest-artwork.co.uk