Giant Inflatable Germs and Seaside Memories Take Over Blackpool Art Scene!

Jason Wilsher-Mills, a well-known artist, has brought a unique and vibrant exhibition to Blackpool, featuring giant sculptures inspired by his childhood and his experiences growing up in Lancashire. Diagnosed with an autoimmune condition after contracting chickenpox at age 11, Jason's journey as a disabled artist has deeply influenced his creative work. His latest exhibition includes enormous inflatable germs, a large figure lying in a hospital bed watching TV, and oversized green toy soldiers. One of the most eye-catching pieces is the 10-foot Blackpool Rock sculpture, which stands outside the Grundy Art Gallery.

Jason explains that his art is a blend of his memories from hospital stays and the joyful times he spent at the seaside. He has a special connection to Blackpool, as his grandmother used to run a boarding house there. The lights on his sculptures are the same ones used at seaside fairgrounds, adding a nostalgic touch to the exhibition. The Blackpool Rock artwork was inspired by Jason's visits to the Tower Ballroom, where he watched ballroom dancers as part of his research for the project.

The exhibition, titled Jason and the Adventure of 254, is housed at the Grundy Art Gallery, which is managed by Blackpool Council. Lynn Williams, the council leader and cabinet member for tourism, arts, and culture, praised the gallery's mission to bring world-class art to Blackpool, highlighting Jason's work as a wonderful example. Visitors to the gallery can explore these larger-than-life sculptures and learn about Jason's personal story, his connection to Blackpool, and how his experiences shaped his art. The exhibition offers a colorful and imaginative look at childhood memories, the seaside, and the resilience of the artist.