A few weeks ago, I genuinely thought my art year was done. I'd started winding down, looking forward to a bit of breathing space before getting back into the studio over winter. Then this opportunity landed completely out of the blue, and there was absolutely no way I was saying no.
On 10 October, Inner States will become the first solo exhibition at the opening of Catacomb Gallery in Birmingham.
Right now, Liam Kerr is busy bringing Catacomb to life. It's a completely new creative space that brings together his tattoo studio and a gallery under one roof. I love that idea. Creativity has a habit of feeding more creativity, and it feels like exactly the kind of space Birmingham needs.
This city has never been short of talented people. Musicians, artists, writers, designers, makers, we've always had them. What we need are more places that bring those people together, support them, and give them somewhere to share what they do. That's why I'm so pleased to be part of the opening of Catacomb. It feels like the start of something exciting.
I'm incredibly proud that Inner States will be the first exhibition to open the gallery, and I honestly can't wait to share it with you.
Come to the opening
Launch Party: Saturday 10 October 2026, 6–10pm
Exhibition runs: from 10 October - 21 November 2026
Catacomb Gallery, The Goodsyard
3–4 Station Way, Birmingham B18 6FH
The night marks the opening of Catacomb’s new gallery, tattoo studio and independent retail space, alongside my solo exhibition, Inner States. There’ll be drinks, the exhibition and the new space to explore, plus books, editions and smaller items available to take home. Come down, have a look around and celebrate with us.
Finding Catacomb
Catacomb is in The Goodsyard, opposite Jewellery Quarter station, but the entrance is below street level and a little tucked away.
Walk along Pitsford Street until you reach Vieni. Look for the large Goodsyard sign and the steps beside it. Go down the steps, walk past Passing Fancies on your left, then turn left towards Catacomb.
I’ve included a map below to make that last bit easier to find.
Exhibition Catalogue (Available at the gallery or online)
Inner States
An exhibition by Emma Woolley
A 32-page exhibition book accompanying Inner States, a solo exhibition of figurative paintings by Birmingham artist Emma Woolley.
Featuring works from the Totem series and other paintings exploring identity, emotion and the different parts of ourselves.
Published in 2026.
A2 exhibition poster from the Inner States series by Emma Woolley.
Printed in Birmingham.
A2 exhibition poster from the Inner States series by Emma Woolley.
Printed in Birmingham.
A2 exhibition poster from the Inner States series by Emma Woolley.
Printed in Birmingham.
A2 exhibition poster from the Inner States series by Emma Woolley.
Printed in Birmingham.
A2 exhibition poster from the Inner States series by Emma Woolley.
Printed in Birmingham.
A2 exhibition poster from the Inner States series by Emma Woolley.
Printed in Birmingham.