LEVEL Open Call – Exhibition
Online Public Art Exhibition
Contemporary Visual Art
“LEVEL Centre’s inaugural Open Exhibition in 2021 marked a new stage in the organisation’s existence; one that seeks to reach new artists and audiences in a continuation of its aspirations to celebrate and support all kinds of creative experiences with, by and for disabled artists. The Open exhibition included a brilliant selection of artists both disabled and non disabled, all of whom showcase a wide range of styles of working; from the quiet introspective of domestic space, to vivid, expressive portraiture which offers a new perspective on iconic pop-imagery.
There’s something really lovely about being able to take these moments of creativity that so often are held exclusively in private spaces, and pose them publicly. It’s one of my favorite aspects of working creatively, to take a thing – image, object, performance – and hold it in a space where it can be gazed upon, felt and heard; where it can be chatted about, discussed and critiqued; where it can be shared in a world beyond your own. Open Exhibitions have a wonderful way of doing this, especially when there are so many barriers in accessing shared, critically creative spaces for many artists. This is particularly the case for many disabled artists, which is why we were so delighted to have so many artworks by disabled artists featured in the show.
We were so excited to be able to exhibit these works and take advantage of the wonderful gallery space at LEVEL Centre, utilising our unique venue in the heart of the Peak District to facilitate many kinds of creative experiences. We are thrilled to be platforming these artists, and look forward to sparking more connections between our artists and our audiences in this new programme going forward.”
Bella Milroy – LEVEL Artistic Associate
The 2021 Winners
1st Prize
Stormy Day – Belysning
Concept of the piece: On a journey back from a trip to the supermarket I was in the passenger seat of a car when the Stormy rain began. Being attracted to raindrops and their appearance from within vehicles and buildings I did what was needed and took photographs with my smartphone. Eventually developing into an impression of the original photo through the transference of paint to paint brush to canvas. About the artists: I am a painter based in Yorkshire. Diagnosed with a mental health disorder for over a decade. My life had pretty much stopped for 7 years. After being referred to art in the community opportunities by the NHS in my local area I gained confidence and rekindled my love for creating art. Starting by taking photographs in the outside world as a distraction to difficulties I experience, this gave me a basis to create paintings and reconnect with something I hadn’t done since Sixth form college. Using Acrylic and occasional oil paint I am able to bring positivity and express myself through the art process.
2nd Prize
Vincent Van Gogh – Luke Thorpe
Concept of the piece: This piece of artworks is inspired by the work of the artist in the picture, Vincent Van Gogh. The colours chosen are ones picked out from pieces of his work. Luke uses his own signature style to recreate this portrait of Van Gogh. He captures the facial expression using his very angular style.
People's Choice Award
Nerds – Elliot King
Concept of the piece: Elliott began making this series of work as part of an exploration into collaborative mark making before deciding to create mark making works on his own. He is interested in experiment with oil pastels and the different marks and textures which can be made by layering, smudging, applying light and strong marks and by scratching the pastel away revealing the surface below. This exploration has created a huge body of work which is rich in pattern, texture and exciting composition.
Address
LEVEL Arts Centre, Old Station Close, Rowsley, DE4 2EL
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01629 734848
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info@levelcentre.com