represented Britain in the 1961 Venice Biennale and developed ‘Bauhaus’ style art education that spread across the UK. Local artist Michelle Allen’s photography captures the ways in which Pasmore’s artistic vision is still visible in people’s homes today. His Apollo Pavilion, at the centre of Pasmore’s Sunny Blunts housing project, is also the inspiration of Kabir Hussain’s bronze sculpture series, on show in Gallery 1. Hussain’s sculptures are ‘carefully composed’ abstract works that may be viewed for their visual impact alone – but they are based on modernist ideals for houses, offices and factories. Hussain has also skillfully patinated the bronze so that a ‘painterly’ effect is gained. A third, local, artist – Jo Ray (work pictured) – approaches the idea of living space in a different way, inviting us to get up close and personal with domestic materials. Her fascinating viewing devices and contraptions could draw you into a tabletop world of ‘overlooked, minute or illusory spaces.’

The gallery’s natural surroundings and the DLI museum of local history are also always worth a visit, too.

-rebecca hunter

Kabir Hussain ‘Bird’s Eye View’, Jo Ray ‘My Spectacles’, Michelle Allen ‘While Reason Sleeps’, Durham Art Gallery, February 14 to March 22. T: 0191 3842214. www.durham.gov.uk/dli

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