Exhibition by the carnival group Shademakers UK

“When you look to the stars, be careful what you tread in”

Shademakers UK display their stunning carnival costumes with a focus on flight, wings and the skies.

Back in 2022, Shademakers UK led the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant through the streets of London. A once-in-a-lifetime experience that saw over 200 performers from the Island parade as a menagerie of beasts.

Following on from that incredible project, Shademakers are exploring the theme of Ad Astra in a new presentation at Island Carnivals next summer, a Theatrical Spectacle at Shanklin Theatre and this exhibition at Quay Arts.

Ad Astra sees this Island based Carnival Company take to the skies in an ambitious project celebrating all things with wings.

Artistic Director, Paul McLaren’s stunning kinetic costumes will take flight in the West Gallery until February 18th in an exhibition that intricately explores the theme of flight through the enchanting world above our heads. The costumes are a symphony of colours and textures, featuring elaborate wing designs that evoke a sense of graceful movement and freedom. Each piece is a visual ode to the beauty and majesty of avian creatures, celebrating the wonder of flight in a truly mesmerising fashion.