Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art — Attraction in Gateshead

Not ever having been to the Baltic Centre since it opened, despite living nearby, we decided to take friends there who were visiting England from Norway.

It can't be denied the building is impressive and quite imposing on the River Tyne. Maybe the impressive building helped in my overall disappointment in that it almost builds up expectations of the inside of the building and it's contents, being as equally as impressive as the exterior. Unfortunately nothing could be further from the truth.

First of all the building itself is like the tardis in reverse: big on the outside and strangely small on the inside. It seems very little of the space is actually used for exhibits. Secondly there were only three "artist's" work on display across the whole building,Thomas Bayrle, Salla Tyker and a collaboration between Sara Barker and Ryder Architecture.

Salla Tyker's piece The Palace is a video and sound presentation across three large screens in one darkened room. A video is played on each screen in turn and although apparently three different themes are presented they are allegedly linked. There is nothing particularly special about each film although they are provocative but maybe not in the way the artist intended. Not seeing this 'art' would not leave an empty space in my life nor has it added anything either.

The description of Thomas Bayrle's work maybe illustrates the problem for me: "In 1956, Bayrle started a two year apprenticeship as a weaver at a textile factory, an experience that gave rise to to a lifelong fascination with woven structures and their metaphorical powers". Really? Metaphorical powers? And this is the problem with this kind of "art". Meaning and significance is attached to things which in the cold light of day do not have metaphorical powers at all. It could just as easily be said "....lifelong fascination with woven structures and their metaphysical significance to the universe" a sentence which means just as little and sounds just as daft. His exhibits admittedly are a little provocative but most fail to meet the definition of art in any sensible persons' view. In particular the pieces made out of cardboard and tiny toy cars could maybe be expected to be displayed in a kindergarten, evidence of the imagination and dexterity of the children who have been let loose with cardboard, PVA glue, scissors and a box of toys. Another ludicrous claim to art is the clothes rails with plastic coats on them. Even having taken psychoactive drugs I doubt the majority of art lovers would call these arrangements art at all but if it is art, then I am getting myself to Ikea for a hat stand and coat hangars.

The "art" by Sara Barker is like the end result if a frantic man on amphetamines was blindfolded, given a flat pack kit of metal and glass and asked to construct a climbing frame. Bizarrely the large exhibit which greets you as you walk into the room where it is shown has been given the name of "The Knife". Scrap would be far more appropriate.

The Baltic is a marvellous building but if you bother to walk through the entrance you will experience such an anti-climax that you will wander around for the rest of your visit wearing a frown and asking your friends "What? Eh? Why?". If you like art that will leave you feeling inspired or thoughtful, avoid the Baltic. The half cow and messy bedroom class of art should be kept in London where there seems to be a taste for such throwaway pieces and this collection of odd and drab exhibits should go there too.

The Baltic could really be an international attraction if the odd and barmy "artists" were not given the space or time. After the Baltic we went to Castle Galleries in Newcastle and appreciated real art (check out the paintings by Bob Barker whose work provokes a mixture of feelings with their moody, clever and atmospheric use of colour).

The only benefit to my visit to the Baltic was the feeling when I got home, with a cup of tea in my hand and my feet up, that I hadn't missed anything at all by not having visited the...

The Baltic gives me mixed feelings as an art space. On the one hand it's an excellent exhibition space, professionally run and well positioned in the city. But on the other hand it does have it's flaws.

The exhibition spaces are huge, cavernous, and the art within them often loses significance because of it. The spectacular scale of the structure makes each new work a five minute walk to reach. The spaces should be better divided up, and filled with greater care and focus. There simply isn't enough art on show to justify the voluminous venue, and what there is seems randomly dropped without any concentrated curation. Perhaps the curators are above scrutiny.

The Baltic is also a very "woke" gallery. Possibly more so than any other in the UK. Virtually every exhibition is a forced addition to their gender and multiculturalism quotas. This is admirable in some ways, as it gives voices to the voiceless, but it also becomes tiresome, as the art becomes difficult to relate to. Something is lost because of this over indulgence in minority pleasing, and that is reflected in the relatively poor footfall to this vast institution.

It's also a sad shame that there has been no real attempt made to capitalise on the venue locally. There are virtually no surrounding attractions for the visitor, no restaurants, no string of shops leading up to the gallery. The Baltic stands autonomous and rather lonely. You just get the art and then a long walk back to the city.

Yes, a mixed experience. The Baltic gallery lives up to it's name. Cold, distant, culturally alien but at least...

Kittiwakes create their nests from mud and seaweed and then sell their creations to the Baltic as an art installation. The last time I visited this building there was a thought provoking artistic piece on display duded : The world seen by the blind, It was a empty room with the lights switched off. the Kittiwakes that nest on the top of this building are urban Kittiwakes. their diet consists of Starbucks, Subways and Burger king you can spot the difference between the urban gulls and the seafaring ones by the length of the wings. The urban gulls can be seen holding up selfie sticks and cycling with wearing lycra. Whereas the seafaring ones are formally known as captain Birdseye. For families the Baltic is a superb place to visit. And can really help boost your child's confidence '' Today tommy your picture will go on the fridge, But tomorrow it may end up displayed here. So everyone in the world can question, What the hell is this scribble meant to represent''. If you are recently dating someone however the Baltic will give you load's of things to talk about.Like '' You brought me here because its free'' and '' I take it we're not going to see paw patrol live'' . And finally visit the fabulous restraunt ( SIX) located on the top floor . Because nothing says elegance and refine dining than birds smashing against transparent glass at a high velocity.

Thank you for reading and I hope you got...