Exhibition captures creative responses to Lockdowns
Ilminster Arts Centre has teamed up with Somerset Art Works (SAW) to present a compelling exhibition which reflects the creative responses of leading local artists to the challenges of the Covid-caused Lockdowns.
The free-to-enter exhibition, called 'Sanctuary', runs until Saturday, 26 November at Ilminster Arts Centre. It features more than 50 works from SAW members in a range of art forms, including painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, textiles, photography, wood carving and ceramics.
The works are accompanied by written statements from the artists on their experiences of Lockdown and how they creatively responded to this unique time, when exhibitions were cancelled or postponed and artists had to explore new ways of working in isolation.
SAW co-ordinator Paul Newman said: "Reflecting on this difficult time, we invited our members to respond to ideas around safety, nurture, familiarity, wellbeing and community.
"During Lockdown, many artists had to innovate their studio practice as well as engaging with new ways of reaching audiences online. Some established a different way of working as Lockdown offered fresh perspectives such as a re-familiarisation with their locality, more acute observations whilst on daily walks or exercise and focussing on mental health. Other artists reflected on the benefits of slowing down, by observing what was on their doorsteps, or using the limitations on driving to re-explore nearby areas and ideas.
"For some, sketchbooks provided a sanctuary for thoughts, and for new ideas to flourish. For others, repeated daily walks allowed ideas fully to reveal themselves, re-visiting a familiar route and then working those ideas up in the studio. For many, there was comfort in something familiar as well as routine, which could be returned to as often as was needed."
Julia McKenzie, gallery co-ordinator at Ilminster Arts Centre, added: "We're delighted to partner with Somerset Art Works and hope that audiences will enjoy the wonderful work on display, which reflects such a challenging and defining time for all of us."