Choose your weapon. Make your mark. We are in this together, behind closed doors. Separated but not separate. Shared fears mixed with sourdough starters and endless banana breads. Panic, pandemic, pantomime (our government), pancake day, panettone (Christmas), pain au chocolat (stress eating). Another trip around the sun. Another year of covid.
The last two years had us observing and absorbing culture through our television sets and smart phones. But can art save us? Can using our imaginations and creativity help us heal from these covid times? Can it give us back the freedoms we have craved? I have always believed in the power behind a creative path. Grayson’s Art Club was proof that whether we are the creator or the viewer, art creates connection. In a world that seems so divided I believe art can bring us back to ourselves and lead to more positive relationships with each other.
Bristol Museum is a neoclassical masterpiece but happens to be situated on top of one of the city’s larges hills, Park Street. If like me you’re coming from the south of the city on foot, you might appreciate a strong cuppa and some wonderful contemporary art after you’ve finished your ascent. Grayson’s Art Club is the second gallery exhibition from the smash hit tv series on channel 4, where Grayson and his wife, psychotherapist Philippa Perry encouraged us to get making to combat the stresses of the pandemic. The exhibition is spread across the three floors of the museum, with vibrant and imaginative pieces of art sitting alongside the permanent collection. There are artworks by Grayson and Philippa, as well as members of the public, celebrities and established artists. The exhibition is poignant, emotive and a personal account of lives during these covid times. The show is split into themes from the series of family, nature, food, dreams, work and travel. As well as Graysons work (of which I am a huge fan) there are pieces by some of my firm favourite artists. Banksy, Polly Morgan, Lucy Sparrow, Chila Kumari Burman-Singh and Yinka Ilori, but I found the general public entries the most moving.
Esther Jeanes - ‘Daily Exercise’. A beautiful record of lockdown and the consistency of nature to remain unaffected by covid. These miniatures are a charming timeline but my favourite part is the greyed-out squares, indicating an anomaly in the timeline. We all have those days when for whatever reason we can’t achieve what we set out to because life just gets in the way and I can really relate to that.
Ian Withall – ‘Vegan Minced Steak’. This gorgeous little acrylic on canvas really got my attention. Something so ordinary and maybe even a little ugly, created so elegantly. Such attention to detail with the rippled plastic, playing with light and shade. I love the word play of the label, it really made me smile. It was a stark reminder that especially through the first lockdown when we were under the toughest of restrictions, you almost had to go out of your way to make the ordinary extraordinary.
Simon Fraser – ‘Ticket Rug’. Being instructed to remain at home was tough on a lot of people and our mental health as a nation really suffered during multiple lockdowns. I won’t be taking our freedom to travel for granted now we have opened back up to the world and this giant train ticket really made me smile. I love the ‘wrong’ scale, it is so joyful and silly. Dated April 1st seems appropriate. The artist is ‘in’ on the joke. It is beautifully constructed, encased in perspex to stop the urges of people like me who can’t resist its tactile nature.
Sally-Anne Wilson – ‘Sherbet Lemon: A Memory of Colin’. This piece was one of the most moving artworks in the exhibition for me. The crinkle and shine of the wrapper felt tangible, constructed in tiny shapes of ceramic. It’s acidic yellow evokes memories of childhood and it’s fizzing sour centre. A simple gesture of connection – sharing a sweet. NHS workers certainly bore the brunt of the pandemic. This is dedication to a colleague who passed away in the first wave of covid. A kind man, who ‘left you feeling you mattered.’ ‘He could win anyone over with a big smile, beautiful laugh and a sherbet lemon.’
Grayson’s Art Club is on now and runs until 4th September 2022. For more information go to Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.