October 25, 2011
Six artists from Blue Monkey Network, an artist network run by local artists in partnership with Towner, have been given a unique opportunity to curate a collection display at Eastbourne’s award-winning gallery. New Eyes, Towner’s first ever artist-curated show, opens to the public on 22 October and features artwork by Pablo Picasso, Tacita Dean and Eric Ravilious.
The group of artists were inspired by the Marcel Proust quote “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes”. Comprising a painter, a printmaker, a sculptor, a photographer, a ceramicist and an installation artist, the group reflects the breadth of contemporary artistic practice locally. Following their own voyage of discovery, they have created a diverse display that leads the visitor on a journey into the collection, its artists and their processes.
The exhibition includes etchings by Picasso, teacup designs and woodblocks by Eric Ravilious and a film piece by Tacita Dean – whose work is currently on display in Tate Modern’s famous Turbine Hall. Also on display are works by founder of the British pop art movement Eduardo Paolozzi, Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry, ceramics by Quentin Bell and much more. The works on show range from painting and printmaking to ceramics and photography – all selected from Towner’s internationally renowned permanent collection.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Councillor Neil Stanley said “The Towner Collection is an fantastic resource for local people, and with every new display we aim to involve another sector of our community – since the new Towner opened we have worked with children, young people and teachers.
“This time a group of local artists have provided a whole new way of looking at our collection, from an artist’s perspective. Their energy, enthusiasm and artistic eye has made for a fantastic display which brings together a wide range of works in all media, and inspires us all to look upon art with fresh eyes.
“Towner is very pleased to be a partner in Bluemonkeynet, and to share our unique resources for the benefit of local artists.”
Axel Hesslenberg, one of the artists involved in the project, added “This has been a fantastic opportunity to discover the breadth of the Towner Collection, and for me personally as a photographer, to revel in the outstanding photography it contains! I’ll be very interested to see the public’s reaction to our take on the collection, and their experience of viewing the collection through the eyes of artists.”
Bluemonkeynet aims to provide opportunities for professional and creative development for East Sussex artists. The network runs regular monthly events aimed at promoting the exchange of ideas, information and skills. Bluemonkeynet is open to all artists and costs just £25 per year to join. For more information on the New Eyes display or Bluemonkeynet artist network visit Towner’s website.
The Bluemonkeynet curatorial team is: Paul Bartholomew, Sally Colledge, Nikki Davidson-Bowman, Sheila Hay, Axel Hesslenberg and Cat Ingrams.
