Emerging and established artists are exhibiting works for Quay Arts’ biennial Open Exhibition 2023.
The exhibition includes the work of 25 artists who use an eclectic range of materials in inspiring ways. The exhibition showcases a varied selection of contemporary and traditional works and explores the interplay of forms within the gallery setting and features artists who work within or across the broad practice of sculpture.
Striking pieces include artist Olana Light’s ‘Fly Like a Butterfly’ which is made of ‘reindeer moss’ to create an other-worldly large scale installation. Fran Farrar’s piece ‘Rift’ actually breaks free of the gallery space as her multi plate print installation climbs the staircase and creeps into the gallery.
Exhibitions Curator Ian Whitmore says:
“We chose ‘The Art of Sculpture’ as this years OPEN theme as a reaction to the increasing amount of time we spend on screens and experiencing life virtually. This years exhibition is definitely one to be experienced in the flesh!
“There is an exciting mix of work on show including site-specific artworks created especially for the space. Some of the artworks exhibited have a special focus on form, mass and space. Others explore materials, concepts and techniques.”
Prizes :1 artist will be selected (by a judging panel) from the 2023 OPEN for a solo exhibition at Quay Arts in the West Gallery in 2024/25. A 2nd artist will be selected for a solo exhibition at Quay Arts Clayden Gallery in 2024. Winners will be announced during the exhibition run.
To complement the OPEN exhibition, Quay Arts will be presenting a publicly generated project called ‘Play Form’ in the Clayden Gallery.
Acting as an evolving response to the OPEN 2023 exhibition ‘Play Form’ will explore sculpture through experimentation and play by repurposing materials through multiple practical workshops open to families and visitors. Open 29th July – 2nd September.
