Art collective brings Putt Putt golf to East Croydon

Last year, Putt Putt showcased the work of seven artists. Photo: JD Hancock

Last year, Putt Putt showcased the work of seven artists. Photo: JD Hancock

TURF, a Croydon-based art collective, will be bringing crazy golf back to Croydon with their new interactive exhibition, Putt Putt #2 taking place from the July 19 until August 30 2014.

Alice Cretney, 25, who is an artist and curator, founded TURF in October 2013, as part of a vision she had since graduating from Wimbledon College of Art.

The group launched with the first Putt Putt exhibition, described as a “celebration of all things crazy golf – its assorted interpretations on a theme, snapshots of various faux landscapes with their languages, obstructions and possibilities.” Members of the public were invited to come along and test out their golfing skills among the diverse interpretations of crazy golf holes.

Opening night of Putt Putt, Exchange Square, Croydon. 2013 Photo: Putt Putt exhibition

Opening night of Putt Putt, Exchange Square, Croydon. 2013

When asked about her inspiration for Putt Putt and Putt Putt #2, Cretney said: “The concept developed from my interest in sports’ relationship with art and how the way in which the game of crazy golf is played; it’s obstacles, mounds and follies.”

Putt Putt showcased the work of seven artists and included holes that were inspired by Casper the Friendly Ghost, urban architecture, and “bad feng shui” to name a few.

Putt Putt #2 hopes to repeat this success, and this time it will include work from nine artists. Visitors to the exhibition should expect holes to be “constructed using a variety of materials including marine plywood, pulped cardboard, concrete and glass, to produce a stunning backdrop to the traditional game of crazy golf. Throughout Putt Putt #2 there will be family friendly workshops and events dedicated to fostering team building and networking amongst Croydon’s businesses and artists.”

Cretney now co-directs TURF alongside six other colleagues. The group of artists, filmmakers and architects aims to “create free, high quality exhibitions and events for Croydon”, by providing a platform for local artists, residents and visitors to get involved with their work. They were initially funded by a Kickstarter campaign and now they hope to secure sponsorship from local businesses in order to continue their work. If you run a local business and think you might want to get involved, be sure to follow TURF on Twitter and get in touch with them.

Isabelle Southwood, Shit Qi, 2013. Photo: Putt Putt exhibition. Photo: Putt Putt exhibition

Isabelle Southwood, Shit Qi, 2013. Photo: Putt Putt exhibition

Putt Putt #2 is a free exhibition and will be taking place on Lansdowne Walk, near East Croydon station.

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