Background of Alex Corina

Our next exhibitor, Alex Corina is an artist and community worker based in Garston, Liverpool.He is an interesting character so thought I would give some more background information.

Alex is a Yorkshire man, born in Bradford where he attended Buttershaw Comprehensive School and Bradford College of Art. In 1985, he moved to Liverpool 1985 where he worked as a civil servant for the Drugs Prevention and Community Safety Unit.

Corina is known in Liverpool for his picture, the "Mona Lennon" which features the Mona Lisa, John Lennon (whose 70th anniversary will be celebrated around the world later this year) and the Liverpool waterfront in the background. It is a work that aims to represent Liverpool's past, present and future and is the image I have used for our invitation and I am currently in the process of trying to borrow the original purchased by Prof Phil Redmond and is now in the collection of the National Museums of Liverpool.

In 2007, Corina was named on Bradford College's list of 175 heroes as a celebration of 175 years providing education and training in Bradford. Corina is one of the leaders behind the idea of Garston Cultural Village which, is a campaign to encourage redevelopment in Garston. On 31 May 2008, Garston declared 'Cultural Independence' at the Garston Embassy, formerly The Wellington School. He has since set up an new studio on Duke Street, which will also be an exhibition space for himself and other artists.

Alex has been very much involved in every community he has been part of and his interest in politics was fostered by his father. Joe was described by Bob Cryer MP as 'a well-known orator in Bradford'. Between 1980 and 1983, Alex was elected to Bradford City Council as a Labour Councillor for Wibsey Ward.

On 5 August 1983, after leading the National Union of Public Employees' Bradford Health Service Branch during the health workers' dispute of 1981-82, Corina led the Thornton View Hospital Occupation campaigning against the closure of the 82 bed long-stay geriatric hospital as branch secretary. The occupation lasted for over 2 years and was one of the longest ever hospital occupations.

On 3 May 2007, Corina stood for election as a City Councillor for the Liverpool ward of Cressington, as an Independent, in the council election of 2007. He gained 316 votes. Corina also publicly endorsed a campaign for a referendum on an elected Mayor for Liverpool.

As usual our exhibitions are closed to the public and limited to arranged viewings, should you wish to attend the opening please send a request to alison.roberts@2bio.co.uk