From a Prince to a Cross-Dressing Wrestler by S Mark Gubb

The subjects for his work reflect an ongoing interest in the role that popular culture and oral histories play in the development of an individual’s world view. This often takes the form of a re-evaluation and re-interpretation of contemporary culture and history. Collaboration and public engagement are key to his work and, in 2021, he completed a PhD focusing on the interaction and agency between artist, artwork, site and audience.

In the summer of 2024, S Mark Gubb was artist-in-residence with The 309 Punk Project in Pensacola. Whilst there, he researched, wrote, and recorded an EP of punk rock songs with local musicians about connections he had uncovered between the city and Wales (where he lives) - from an ancient Prince to a cross-dressing wrestler. By bringing these points of reference together into an EP, he is breathing new life and visibility into these connections, and bringing them together in one coherent space, for the first time. The 309 Punk Project is an organisation based in the one of the longest-surviving punk houses in the southern American States, having been home to a revolving door of musicians, artists, activists, and gigs, for over 30 years. Through this project and exhibition at Black Box, Mark takes us on a musical and historical journey through Pensacola, Florida, and its connections with Wales. The exhibition consists of a vinyl copy of the EP that was recorded (one of a limited-edition of 10), a zine expanding on the project that can be taken away by visitors, and a series of A0 poster-prints containing photographs from his trip and research process. The EP is available to listen to across all major streaming platforms, released by THURST Records. Mark’s residency in Pensacola was made possible by an International Opportunities Grant from Wales Arts International.

We would like to thank University for the Creative Arts, Research Office for supporting Black Box Project Space series through Knowledge Exchange funding this year.

S Mark Gubb has been widely commissioned and exhibited work in solo and group exhibitions for organisations including Turner Contemporary (Margate), Postmasters Gallery (NYC), Artangel (London), Mostyn (Llandudno), Castlefield Gallery (Manchester), ICA (London) and PS1 MoMA (NYC). Residencies/fellowships include URRA International Residency, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cove Park, Scotland, Arts Council of England’s International Fellowship at Bunkier Sztuki, Krakow, Poland and The Wheatley Fellowship at Birmingham Institute of Art and Design. Permanent public works include commissions for Admiral PLC, Grizedale Arts, Nottingham Contemporary, and the Welsh Government.

He currently sits on the National Contemporary Art Gallery Wales stakeholder steering group, and in July 2024 was the first international Artist-in-Residence with The 309 Punk Project in Pensacola, Florida, funded by an International Opportunities Grant from Wales Arts International.

For more information about S Mark Gubb:

• www.smarkgubb.com
• @smarkgubb

• Nation.Cymru feature: A Letter from Pensacola
• 309 Punk Project: Artists in Residence