Like kleptomaniac magpies, the artists steal shinny hubcaps and scatter them through the gallery space. They go into discount stores at sale time, putting on layers of bargain bin t-shirts and stuffing them in bags. They steal tiny pieces from well-known art works and collect them in a cultural Noah's Ark.

The show creates an archive of historical and contemporary works of radical appropriation- occasions where theft and vandalism have been ‘lifted' from criminal behaviour and into the art sphere.

Most of the artists have chosen to do this type of work to question societal codes, systems of exchange and critique cultural institutions. However, the nature of the work means that some of the artists have themselves been scrutinised by the legal system.

‘Lifting' raises questions about the legitimacy of art to be made through illegal means and examines the sometimes controversial methods by which artists attempt to provoke social change.

Artists involved in Lifting include Ann Messner, Scott Myles, Dennis Oppenheim, Joel Ross, Jon Routson, Timm Ulrichs, Ulay, Ivan Moudov and Allison Wiese. Works range from installations and sculpture to photographs and videos.

A free downloadable PDF publication will be will be available online at www.atopiaprojects.org from 24 August. It will contain essays exploring the exhibition themes and interviews with all the artists.

Along with the gallery show hosted by Peacock Visual Arts, there will be film screenings and workshops to whet the palettes of the curious.

If you would like to share your opinion about this subject, please come along to the discussion with the curators and artist Scott Myles, on Saturday 25 August, 2.30pm. Admission free.