Alicia Paz, Amazonas (detail), 2009. Oil, acrylic & collage on canvas. Courtesy the artist.Fri 31 July - Sun 13 September 2009. Galleries open daily, 10.00am - 6.00pm. Free admission.

Andrew Bick (UK), Rafal Bujnowski (Poland), Tomory Dodge (USA), Vincent Falsetta (USA), Henriette Grahnert (Germany), Alicia Paz (Mexico)

Featuring the work of six international artists, this exhibition examines different approaches to contemporary painting in playful and enchanting ways. For some artists the excitement of working with paint id found in their brushstrokes, daubs, drips and smears. Applying paint in a very vigorous way often results in an expressive surface that is lively and sensuous.

The decisions made by some artists are revealed through contrasting surfaces and colours. They often concern themselves with the physical qualities of paint ahead of a need to create realistic or representational images. These abstract paintings tell stories through layers.

Other artists make paintings using marker pen, perspex, wax, smoke or collage materials, and sometimes cut through their canvases to create visual tricks. The illusions they create make us wonder, are we looking at something real or imagined? Is a painting flat or three-diensional? The selection of works included in the exhibition highlights that much like a conjurur; it is the artist's sleight of hand that makes painting magical.

Additional free activities taking place during the exhibition

Artist Talk: Vincent Falsetta Sat 1 Aug, 12noon

American artist Vincent Falsetta talks about his new paintings on display in Slow Magic.

Artist Talk: James Quin Thu 20 Aug, 6.00pm

Liverpool-based painter James Quin presents his thoughts on painting and responds to works on display in Slow Magic.

In conversation: Andrew Bick & Alicia Paz Sat 5 Sept, 3.00pm

Artists Andrew Bick and Alicia Paz talk to Sara-Jayne Parsons, Exhibition Curator at the Bluecoat, about their work and participation in Slow Magic.

Explore: Every day throughout August and then every Sat + Sun in September (Slow magic closes Sunday 13 September).

Free drop-in activities (12.00 - 4.00pm) for children to explore painting with our staff and volunteers.