Artist Jake Wood’s latest installation ‘Muscle Mary’ examines what happens when bodybuilding and queer identity meet, in a typically off-beat DIY piece.

Jake Wood is a Kent-based artist focused on melding comedy and performance with his own personal physicality. His previous pieces have included ‘Exercise? I thought you said EXTRA FRIES!!!’ and ‘No Pain! No Champagne!’. The latter saw him consuming copious amounts of champage, while the the former saw him getting stuck into burger and fries to offset received notions of  trying to keep the calories off. ‘Muscle Mary’ is his latest passion project and it’s an immersive bodybuilding experience that resounds with queer humour. Filmed in Romney Marsh, the area has a rich LGBTQ+ history, as well as artistic connections with figures such as Derek Jarman, Henry James and Edward Burra. It doesn’t matter how much muscle you’re packing yourself, you’re sure to find plenty to enjoy at this exhibition, and a day out at Vane is always a nice day out indeed. MW

Jake Wood: Muscle Mary, 4 March-1 April, Vane, Gateshead. vane.org.uk