Local artists spring into ‘auction’ for the frontline

Wednesday 27 May 2020

More than 20 artists with a connection to Jersey have donated sculptures, prints, paintings and even a timely 'portrait' of a toilet roll to raise money towards the island's virus response.

Private & Public Space's ‘Spring into Action’ exhibition will launch next Monday (1 June).

The exhibition will be accessible via the gallery website, with a short film, a 3D virtual tour of the gallery spaces and a digital exhibition catalogue created for the occasion, as well as by appointment. 

The pieces will then be auctioned off, with money going to the Bailiff's Fund and the Jersey Women's Refuge, which supports vulnerable women in Jersey.

Chris Clifford, the Gallery Director, approached artists to get involved in the exhibition after being inspired by international art stars' contributions to good causes, as well as the morale-raising efforts of local rainbow-painters.

Pictured: 21 artists have donated artwork for the auction.

In the UK, Damien Hirst has created a limited edition set of signed prints of ‘Butterfly Rainbow’, an image made up of bands of coloured butterfly wings - one his best‐known motifs - to raise funds for the NHS. 

Meanwhile, Banksy celebrated the superhero status of health workers with a new work. ‘Game Changer’ is currently on display at Southampton Hospital until September and will then be auctioned to raise money for NHS charities. 

“Here in Jersey it has indeed been heartening to see so many windows filled with paintings of rainbows whether they’ve been displayed in large residential properties or social housing developments,” Mr Clifford explained.

Pictured: "Here in Jersey it has indeed been heartening to see so many windows filled with paintings of rainbows," Mr Clifford said.

He continued: “This type of creative artistry has warmly engendered a real sense of community whilst helping to unify households around a common cause.

“So, it gives me great a sense of pride to announce that a group of 21 artists, all with local connections, will be staging an exhibition at Private & Public Space, with the proceeds from sales going towards the Bailiff’s Covid-19 fund and the Women’s Refuge. 

“This uplifting exhibition will showcase bright, colourful and upbeat paintings as well as humorous and more serious works.” 

Pictured: Martin Toft and Stanley Lucas helped Chris Clifford install the works.

Internationally acclaimed artists such as Emily Allchurch and Jason Martin have joined ranks with well-known resident artists such as Ian Rolls, Gina Socrates, Mark Guest, John Paul Kilshaw and Nick Romeril who painted a very appropriate portrait of a toilet roll.

The exhibition also has a distinctly international flavour with Danish photographer Martin Toft, Latvian painter Eliza Anna Reine and Russian printmaker Yulia Makeava all donating artworks to help the two chosen local causes.

One of the beneficiaries, the Bailiff's Fund, was launched in April to gather philanthropic donations from private individuals wishing to support the hospital and wider community in its management of the covid-19 health crisis and its aftermath.

Pictured: The list of artists taking part in 'Spring into Action'.

Meanwhile, the Women’s Refuge, which provides a safe space for victims of domestic abuse and provides support to women and their children, has seen its activity increase under lockdown. 

“We greatly appreciate the support shown by Chris Clifford and his team at Private & Pubic Gallery and all the participating artists through this imaginative initiative,” Ben Robins, the charity’s chairman said. 

“Sadly, the pressures of life in a lock-down environment have caused a significant up-tick in calls to our help-line, so additional funding for the Refuge at this is testing time is very welcome indeed.”

Pictured: "This uplifting exhibition will showcase bright, colourful and upbeat paintings as well as humorous and more serious works.” 

“Art has the power to motivate, relax and inspire but also to question the images that we see, the life we live and the causes we support,” Lady Dalton, the Patron of the exhibition commented.

“This extraordinary exhibition by 21 gifted and thought-provoking artists is a wonderful way to show their support for all those who have been leading the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and the risk to our community here in Jersey. 

“The varied subjects of the exhibits and the media in which they are presented showcase the talent of the artists and their ability to give us hope and aspiration beyond this current pandemic.”