Social History Gallery Display: Youth: An exhibition by the Mayor’s Young Artist

In Spring 2024, Zac Henshall, local resident and student at Truro and Penwith College, was appointed as the first-ever Mayor’s Young Artist by Cllr Stephen Reynolds, Mayor of Penzance.

“The Penzance Town Mayor has traditionally appointed army, police and sea cadets every year, reflecting the importance of these services to the lives of our communities. But art and culture also play a huge role in local life, and there are so many young people living, working and studying in the Penzance parish who are carrying on our great tradition in the visual arts. The Mayor’s Young Artist role is a way of recognising and rewarding their creativity and inspiration.” Cllr Reynolds

Penlee House is delighted to present this exhibition, showcasing the work Zac has produced as the Mayor’s Young Artist.

“This project set out to capture the candid, unfiltered moments of youth life in Penzance. Over the course of a year, the project focused on both the mundane and the remarkable moments that shape the lives of young people in the town across changing seasons and landscapes. The images offer a direct and honest portrayal of growing up in Penzance, documenting real moments and people through stylised digital photography, alongside a collection shot on a 1970s Polaroid camera – capturing timeless and nostalgic images that reflect past and present generations of Penwith.

Mirroring Penlee House’s rich collection of artworks featuring local people and scenes, I set out to capture and document moments of my life, following the likes of the Newlyn School artists, but with a modern generation and practice. Growing up in Newlyn, I was captivated by these artists’ works and have been inspired by their real and honest portrayals of the everyday. This body of work reflects that practice, as I capture and document my life within the local skate and youth scene of Penzance.” Zac Henshall

Youth will be on display until 14 May 2025.