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The Whitworth adds Ashes by Steve McQueen to international art collection

23 Sep 2016

The Whitworth has become the first UK institution outside of London to acquire work by acclaimed British artist and Oscar-winning film director Steve McQueen

Still from Ashes, by Steve McQueen

Ashes (2002-2015), a double video projection on a single two-sided screen, will be added to the galleries internationally significant contemporary art collection. The acquisition has been made possible by the Art Fund, the Arts Council England / Victoria and Albert Museum Purchase Grant Fund and through the generosity of private benefactors.

Dr Maria Balshaw, Director of The Whitworth, commented: "Ashes by Steve McQueen is an extraordinary film by one of the world's leading artists. It shows the extreme contrasts of Caribbean life but is also a telling commentary on issues of belonging and self-worth for young black men in the UK. It is a major addition to our contemporary collection that will also be a cornerstone of our important engagement work with young people in Manchester."

Over the next two years the Whitworth will expand its collection of moving image artwork. Steve McQueen Ashes (2002 – 2014) is added alongside the recently acquired Michael Landy Four Walls (2004); Willie Doherty The Visitor (2008); Nick Crowe and Ian Rawlinson The Fireworks 2007; Laure Prouvost Monolog (2009) and Isaac Julien Ten Thousand Waves (2010).

Image: Steve McQueen, Ashes, 2002-2015. Video still. Courtesy the artist and Thomas Dane Gallery, London.

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