The interesting characters and stories from the Walker Art Gallery’s Victorian paintings were ‘unlocked’ in free performances by artist Aaron Williamson.

Williamson researched the collection and ‘eavesdropped’ on their stories during a residency at the Walker Art Gallery. While investigating the works, Williamson delved into archive correspondence and explored the background of the models and pets featured within the works.

Inspired by his findings, Williamson devised a set of performances, which occupied the Victorian painting room at the Walker. By echoing the figures in the paintings and adopting their poses Williamson ‘freed’ the characters from the works and offer onlookers a new perspective. 

In addition to the performance, the public were able to join the gallery staff for a tour of the artworks which have inspired Williamson during his residency. Williamson also lead a series of life drawing classes in the Walker Art Gallery.

Aaron has been asking new questions of the paintings and his attentions and sympathies have become focussed on the models, which are trapped for eternity within the paintings, and his performance and related events will bring extra life to these characters’.

The Eavesdropper performances:
Thursday 15 November 10am-1pm and 2–4pm
Friday 16 November 10am-1pm and 2-4pm
Saturday 17 November 10am–1pm and 2-4pm. 

The performance was alsoe audio described by Mind’s Eye on Saturday 17 November 10am-1pm.

Commissioned by DaDaFest 2012 as part of Niet Normaal: Difference on Display, in partnership with Liverpool Biennial and National Museums Liverpool.