POLISHING TURDS, a solo exhibition by Teesside artist Stuart Langley, bringing work developed through his recent period living, working and exhibiting in Japan back to Middlesbrough. The exhibitions grow from relationships Langley has developed within Fukuoka’s independent art scene, particularly with OVERGROUND, a project space for art & culture in Fukuoka Japan, where Langley first presented Polishing Turds in March 2026.

Rather than a one-off international project, Konnichiwa, Teesside! is part of an evolving two-way relationship - artists, ideas and experiences moving between Fukuoka and Teesside.

Polishing Turds brings together Langley’s colourful and playful approach to installation, transforming everyday, overlooked and sometimes deliberately ridiculous objects, materials and language. Beneath the humour is an interest in optimism, cultural misunderstanding and the possibility of finding beauty and value in unlikely places.

“The similarities between Fukuoka prefecture and Teesside are incredible. Steel, mining, ports and heavy industry have shaped the landscapes and identities of these places, and all have experienced huge periods of change. But it goes beyond their industrial histories. There’s a similarly rare magic being mined in both places - people taking what’s already there, however overlooked or imperfect, and turning it into something exciting. I hope to collectively build something lasting between these places.” Stuart Langley

📍 The Auxiliary, 31 Station Street, TS1 1SR, Middlesbrough
🥂 Opening Reception: Thursday 5 November, 6pm
🗓 Thurs 5 Nov - Sat 21 Nov
⏰ 12:00pm - 4:00pm (Wednesday - Saturday)