B O U N D A R I E S
Foreward
The Boundaries exhibition and accompanying publication mark a new venture undertaken by the Creative Network; a collective of artists on the Isle of Man. Members of the collective were invited to create artworks which explore issues relating to the given theme of Boundaries.
This theme was chosen with thoughts of creative practice and ‘Islandness’ in mind. All artists are constrained by practical and technical issues involved in the process of making/creating: the boundaries of a canvas or piece of paper; the boundaries of available time or space to create; the constraints dictated by the physical properties and cost of materials used; the constraints of having to live; etc. etc. A part of the creative process is often to subvert these imposed constraints, to problem solve and turn boundaries into positive forces within art.
Artists living on any Island have additional constraints brought about by virtue of landmass. They are physically cut off from the stimuli of a broader art world and audiences. Even with the advent of modern communication and transport systems, an Island community remains physically insular and perhaps this shapes or colours their mind set, at least subconsciously. This new open show venture is, in itself, an attempt by the Creative Network to push/pull/expand boundaries for its artists. It is an attempt to provide opportunities: for flight of creative fancy without the restrictions of commerce; to show alongside others and enjoy the variety of outcomes developed from an identical starting point; for stimulation, inspiration and food for creative thought; for heightened profiles with a broad audience etc.
Boundaries was conceived well before Covid-19 entered our consciousness. The pandemic has reshaped all our perceptions of social boundaries and has turned our borders from physical restrictions which are sporadically traversed, to a protective and even comforting defence. Since March 2020, there have been extraordinary lockdowns, greater awareness of other people and the threat that they may pose, distancing, loneliness and isolation. The project has also provided a focus for freeing thought whilst constrained and confined within our Island boundary.
From the submissions of artwork, three guest selectors were tasked with co-curating the exhibition. Their aim was to bring together works, which as a whole make a powerful study of boundaries and what they mean to artists and a small Island nation such as ours. Of course a gallery has boundaries of four walls and therefore limited space; not all submitted works could be shown. The Creative Network would like to thank all artists who submitted their artworks and especially Helen Fox, Ian Coulson and Keith MacKintyre for taking on the exceptionally difficult task of selecting a final collection of work to show
The Boundaries exhibition and accompanying publication mark a new venture undertaken by the Creative Network; a collective of artists on the Isle of Man. Members of the collective were invited to create artworks which explore issues relating to the given theme of Boundaries.
This theme was chosen with thoughts of creative practice and ‘Islandness’ in mind. All artists are constrained by practical and technical issues involved in the process of making/creating: the boundaries of a canvas or piece of paper; the boundaries of available time or space to create; the constraints dictated by the physical properties and cost of materials used; the constraints of having to live; etc. etc. A part of the creative process is often to subvert these imposed constraints, to problem solve and turn boundaries into positive forces within art.
Artists living on any Island have additional constraints brought about by virtue of landmass. They are physically cut off from the stimuli of a broader art world and audiences. Even with the advent of modern communication and transport systems, an Island community remains physically insular and perhaps this shapes or colours their mind set, at least subconsciously. This new open show venture is, in itself, an attempt by the Creative Network to push/pull/expand boundaries for its artists. It is an attempt to provide opportunities: for flight of creative fancy without the restrictions of commerce; to show alongside others and enjoy the variety of outcomes developed from an identical starting point; for stimulation, inspiration and food for creative thought; for heightened profiles with a broad audience etc.
Boundaries was conceived well before Covid-19 entered our consciousness. The pandemic has reshaped all our perceptions of social boundaries and has turned our borders from physical restrictions which are sporadically traversed, to a protective and even comforting defence. Since March 2020, there have been extraordinary lockdowns, greater awareness of other people and the threat that they may pose, distancing, loneliness and isolation. The project has also provided a focus for freeing thought whilst constrained and confined within our Island boundary.
From the submissions of artwork, three guest selectors were tasked with co-curating the exhibition. Their aim was to bring together works, which as a whole make a powerful study of boundaries and what they mean to artists and a small Island nation such as ours. Of course a gallery has boundaries of four walls and therefore limited space; not all submitted works could be shown. The Creative Network would like to thank all artists who submitted their artworks and especially Helen Fox, Ian Coulson and Keith MacKintyre for taking on the exceptionally difficult task of selecting a final collection of work to show
Carola Rush on behalf of The Creative Network
