First look at the unusual figurines exhibition at Bristol’s newest art gallery space

"Triggerines & Sentimentos", by artist and designer Norman Gosney, has opened at THE PIT, Bristol’s newest art gallery space on Wells Road in Totterdown.   

The work showcases figurines found in dumpsters, charity stores, and jumble sales that have been recycled and renewed.     

Norman, who was born and raised in Reland, has enjoyed international success as a designer, nightclub operator, entrepreneur, artist, and performer. 

He told BristolWorld about his exhibition: “I decided to inflict on Bristol, the city I come from, not only my latest artwork but also a partial retrospective of my old stuff. 

“My new collection is, I took all the little figurines that were collected by people when they went on holiday in the mid-century, and I tried to drag them screaming into the current age. 

“Because our generations looked down on these things as kitsch, but there’s a lot of great work in this stuff, so that’s the heart of the statues that I’m doing - it’s a reimaging and reuse of old stuff.”  

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In the late 70s, Norman relocated to New York City, where he became a prominent figure in the nightclub scene, working on many groundbreaking NYC clubs of the 80s. 

His career expanded to cities like Tokyo, Munich and Miami, and he also served as the main Art Director for Marvel Comics in 1983/84.   

In the early 90s, after a brief stint in Belize, he returned to Manhattan, opening The Slipper Room, the first modern Burlesque and performance club.  

His adventures continued in Shanghai, where he and his partner Amelia Kallman opened Chinatown, the country's first Neo-Vaudeville nightclub.  

Now residing in East London, Norman continues to pursue his passions as a designer, artist, and enthusiastic motorcyclist.   

Triggerines & Sentimentos is open at THE PIT on Wells Road in Totterdown from 6pm to 9pm on Friday, September 20 and 7pm to 10pm on Saturday, September 21.

For a sneak peek at the exhibition, check out the gallery below and video above: