Artist: Alyson Olson

Historically, the area surrounding Paradise Works was industrial and the nearby river Irwell was used for the dumping of factory waste. As a consequence of this, urban legend developed to say the fruits on the trees in the garden opposite Paradise Works were contaminated by pollutants from the industrial era. Paradise Preserves are made with the ‘contaminated’ fruits and this conundrum came under the scrutiny of all who attended the opening show at the Paradise Works gallery in autumn 2018.

Paradise Preserves take their agency from references to the poem ‘Paradise Lost’ by John Milton and parallels between the Garden of Eden, temptation and the downfall of man; tempting, sweet and sour preserves that are potentially toxic displayed on glowing Perspex eluding to their toxicity.

The garden has been restored by the community with help from some of the artists, making it a beautiful place for the residents to sit and to gather the fruit. The legend of the toxins has been disproved and so everyone can truly enjoy the fruits and Paradise Preserves.

Paradise Preserves still exist and monies from their sale will be donated to the development of the restored garden for the local community to enjoy. Thank you.

Artist Biography

Alyson’s practice is concerned with expanded painting through objects, experiences and the connections she makes with time and space. Her practice considers how the materiality of the works affect the viewer, engaging them in an experience of tension and otherliness. Alyson teaches at Manchester School of Art. She was a runner up in the recent Manchester open show at HOME. Website

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Photography by studio member Steve Iles.