Arthouse Hull launches Paul’s debut artwork with LavArt installation
Arthouse Hull – the fiercely independent gallery-bar that champions artists without a voice is set to unveil LavArt, a surrealist art installation housed entirely within its accessible toilet.
Created by Hull artist Paul Sowden, LavArt marks his first-ever public exhibition – despite the fact he’s been making art since childhood, scaring neighbours since the 1950s, and generally refusing to play by the traditional art world rules.
But if you’re expecting pomp, pretence or hushed gallery tones: think again. This is Arthouse. And this is Paul.
Founded by Katherine Carmichael six years ago, Arthouse has become a haven for creative misfits and emerging artists. Built on grit - and very little funding - the space has grown into one of Hull’s most characterful cultural venues, known for live open mic nights, grassroots exhibitions and a community that isn’t afraid to get weird.
“Katherine’s stuck two fingers up to every bit of snobbery that says you can’t open a place like this. She’s made something real. Something for actual artists and actual people” Said Paul.
Who is Paul Sowden? (He’d rather you asked why Arthouse?)
Paul has painted since he was a child. One of his earliest pieces – a bald, pregnant, armless woman – caused such a stir a neighbour ran screaming from the house. He’s been an outsider artist ever since, by choice.
A self-described “anarchist”, Paul has never before wanted a gallery space to show in, a spotlight or a sales catalogue. He paints because he paints. He draws because he draws. And he shows his work now because Katherine bought him just enough pints to wear him down.
“There’s nothing deep and mystical about why I’m doing it. Katherine kept asking. I finally said yes. If people like the work, great. If they don’t - well, that’s their problem,” Paul comments
Arthouse owner, Katherine said: "Paul has been dodging exhibitions for decades, so getting him to say yes feels like my greatest artistic achievement to date. It turns out all it took was persistence, pints, and the promise of an audience who wouldn’t expect him to behave. LavArt sums up what Arthouse is here to do: champion brilliant artists in unexpected places, without any of the usual art-world fuss.”
Paul’s work draws from decades of travel, late-night doodling, political moments, personal stories and a lifelong love of Surrealism and Dada. But ask him to over - explain it and he’ll politely decline.
“I don’t censor what comes out. Some people will love it; some will hate it. That’s fine. Art doesn't need to be polite.” - Paul
So... why a toilet?
LavArt began partly as a joke, partly as a middle finger to elitism, and partly thanks to Paul’s fascination with toilets in famous art galleries.
Over the years he has photographed toilets in museums around the world, planning to create a series of tongue-in-cheek forgeries and interventions, so watch this space...
Arthouse already had a reputation for its offbeat loo décor. Paul simply took it further.
“It’s the Sistine Chapel of what is often thought of as a run-down city. A toilet you want to spend time in. Probably too much time, which is the opposite of what a toilet’s for.” Paul chirps.
The installation blends new and old pieces, adapted specifically for the space. Only one person can view it at a time, amplifying the intimacy and oddity.
Elsewhere in the bar, a small selection of Paul’s older detailed gouache works – some originally taking up to 1,000 hours to complete – will be framed and displayed for a limited run.
Behind the humour, LavArt carries a quiet message: that Art doesn’t need gatekeepers, polished plinths or white walls. That creativity lives in unexpected places. That Hull’s grassroots scene has more courage, heart and originality than many bigger institutions.
“If this blows away a bit of stuffiness in the Art world, good. Hull deserves proper creativity. Katherine’s made a place for it,” - Paul
