THE iconic guitarist and songwriter behind The Stone Roses is taking a break from rock in a bid to launch his art career.

John Squire is to hold his second art exhibition of works from 1988 to 2004 at the Great Northern, on Deansgate in Manchester, from May 7 to May 16.

It comes on the back of the massive success of his debut exhibition at the ICA in London earlier this year.

The exhibition features the infamous Jackson Pollock inspired paintings that were used for The Stone Roses' first records, sculptures included on The Seahorses' artwork, through to the paintings for his recent solo material.

The show will also include previously unseen paintings.

In February this year John Squire released his second solo album, Marshall's House, based around the works of Edward Hopper, the American realist painter.

A different painting inspired the lyrics for each song on the record.

Fifteen years on from The Stone Roses' legendary debut London performance at the ICA, John returned to the venue for a sell-out gig before undertaking a brief UK tour in March.

Admission to the exhibition will cost £3 payable on entrance. The exhibition will be open daily from 11am to 8pm. For further information on the Great Northern visit www.thegreatnorthern.com or for more information on John Squire visit www.johnsquire.com