Transition 1
Welcome to Transition, a two-part exhibition, taking place at the George Crossan Gallery and Gate House Gallery during July and August 2020. When we came together as a group of artists, we had two ideas, the theme ‘Transition’ that would be a catalyst for our individual projects, and that we would, all adopt an experimental approach to the development of our work. We had no idea of what was to come, and that
we would be making this work during a global pandemic and under the restrictions of lockdown.
Every artist is to some degree, influenced and inspired by the times in which they live and in this show, you will undoubtedly discern some evidence of the stresses and concerns of life during the days of the Covid 19 virus. For many it was a time of anxiety, but in the quiet that came with the suspension of much of ‘normal life’, we were able to hear the birds more clearly and perhaps wonder if a subtle shift might be taking place within society, that all of life was somehow in ‘Transition’. We hope you will enjoy both exhibitions that the work is the starting point for further discussion and speculation.
In the midst of a global pandemic, six artists have come together to create a two-part exhibition titled ‘Transition’. Aaron Yeandle, Adam Stephens, Bozena Pollock, Lou Stephens, Maryjane Orley and Monika Drabot have created an experimental and assorted body of work, consolidated through the theme of transition. This apt topic of choice is hugely subjective, allowing the artists to create such a diverse collection of art, as proven through the variety of pieces exhibited at the George Crossan Gallery. When walking into the gallery, you are presented with an impressive range of artistic techniques and media; whether that be Bozena Pollock’s paintings of Guernsey’s dynamic and ever-changing coastlines, or Monika Drabot’s photographic exploration of the four elements, each artist establishes their own distinct style. In addition to the theme of transition, their work is unified through the Guernsey government’s declaration of lockdown. The shift of normality and feelings of worry are injected into the art. A strong example of this is Aaron Yeandle’s contemporary interpretation of Personal Protective Equipment. His photographic pieces fully embrace the transformative theme through the faceless presentation of PPE, representing the anxiety that has surrounded such equipment for centuries. The artists have perfectly captured the plethora of emotions felt by those in lockdown; a time of solitude can bring about stress and anxiety, however as the artists have explored, there is also an opportunity to slow down and contemplate the world around us. With the tremendous amount of support on the opening evening of the exhibition, the artists involved and the Guernsey Arts Commission would like to thank everyone greatly and hope to see you all at the second opening on Friday 17th at the Gate House Gallery.
Written by Lucy Atkinson
