Those of you familiar with the local music scene may recognise Wilson Astley as the lead singer of rising stars, Mammal Club.  As his forthcoming debut exhibition shows he is a man with more than one creative string to his bow.  Opening this Wednesday, ‘Candy Row’ showcases a fascinating collection of work.  Even at first glance the monochrome images are striking.  On closer inspection they are all the more impressive for being made up entirely of intricately traced numerals.  The painstaking process involved individually placing the numbers 1 to 0, in ascending order, over sketches to slowly build up the final images.  The size of the number is the only variation, with no rotation or manipulation of the number’s shape occurring.  Citing the tragic life of mathematician and biologist Alan Turing as the initial inspiration for his work, Astley explains, ‘The concept of searching for numbers and equations in every aspect of life was a fascinating idea to me. The idea that he saw the world in a different way, in numbers, intrigued me and influenced my work’.  The result is an enthralling collection that is definitely worth a visit.

Candy Row : An art exhibition by Wilson Astley at La Fiesta, Heaton Park road

Opening Wednesday 28th 6:30-8:30pm.  Exhibition runs until 6th September