Opening
times: Tue-Fri 12-5pm; Sat & Sun 11am -4pm;
Closed
Monday
Selected local artists will show work on the theme
of 'Alternative Oxford'. This open competition gave
artists the chance to submit artwork that contributes
to the idea of opening up unseen areas of Oxford, or
is an innovative take on a traditional view. The twenty
selected participants showing work in the exhibition
live in the county and each artist has been asked to
submit just one piece of work each. Every exhibit has
it’s own unique story to tell and accompanying literature
will add insight to the visual clues. We hope this
exhibition will be a striking view of the city through
the eyes of our artistic community.
Selected work includes
a wide range of media. Abstract paintings are juxtaposed
with documentary photographs. Non-historic buildings
take centre stage alongside more familiar architecture,
but depicted in an original medium. Established and
emerging artists alike display streetscapes, waterways
and objects of personal significance. A bicycle, a
bus-stop, a tropical plant and an angel are just some
of those objects represented. Human activity is not
forgotten here however, and Oxford’s inhabitants appear
among the scenery. Themes of loss, isolation, awe,
mirth and even confusion can be found in these depictions.
Oxford has a rich cultural heritage but many visitors
to the city do not see beyond the dreaming spires.
While we do not claim to offer a comprehensive guide
to Oxford beyond the traditional tourist leaflet, ‘Alternative
Oxford’ does offer glimpses of hidden landscapes as
well as fresh perspectives. The artists in this show
give their own interpretations of the city, personal
visual accounts of their surroundings.
Participating
Artists: Paul Anand, Jon Brett, Thomas Capon, John
Day, Laura Degenhardt, Sarah Farrow, Michele Field,
Steve Gold, Jane Hope, Nicola Jenkin, Brian McAloon,
Sarah Moncrieff, Jane O'Brien, Karrine Powell, Rona,
Stuart Roper, Tim Steward, Hilary Wells, Helen C White,
Linda Wride.
Admission is free to the public and the
event will be suitable for all ages.
All work will be for sale.
The exhibition will coincide with other related events
in Oxfordshire such as Oxford Open Doors 2008, organised
by Oxford Preservation Trust in partnership with Oxford
University. Oxford Open Doors aims to encourage local
people to explore and understand more about – and most
of all – enjoy the rich local history of our fascinating
city. Over the weekend of the 13th and 14th of September,
as part of Heritage Open Days, Oxford’s most interesting
cultural venues and heritage institutions will throw
open their doors with trails, activities, guided tours
and more.
Please see the following sites for more details
:
www.oxfordpreservationtrust.org.uk
www.openingdoorsopeningminds.org.uk
www.heritageopendays.org
During this exhibition we will also be showcasing the work of Barbaresi & Round.
Barbaresi & Round have been working on a correspondence between Oxford and Paris.
They have been particularly focussing on the edges of the cities and parts that
are not normally represented to or by tourists.
Working with postcards as the most obvious, numerous and ubiquitous of souvenirs,
Barbaresi & Round have subverted the form by introducing unexpected imagery from
the peripheries of Oxford and Paris.
The correspondence is forming the basis of solo shows at Ovada in Oxford and
Lagalerie in Paris, which are planned for Spring 2009. To read more about Barbaresi & Round's
ideas and journeys see barbaresiandround.blogspot.com and www.barbaresiandround.com |
