EXHIBITION FORMS PART OF ASPEX’S WINTER 2020 SEASON ‘TRANSFORMATION’

There is nothing quite like visiting a gallery space to see an artist’s collection of carefully curated work, each piece informing the other, each playing a part in a story. Jack House Gallery is thankfully returning from lockdown to share with you ‘Still Life in Lockdown‘ by Jacqui Mair which opens on Saturday 4th July and will be a very happy reminder why galleries are so important to our lives.

Much of the work in this show was produced in Jacqui’s studio during the enforced period of isolation and whilst Jacqui’s work has always drawn on the the detail of life and the daily beauty of domestic objects she has felt keenly the absence of friends and family many of whom are connected in some way to the collaged images she has been making.

The surfaces of Jacqui’s still lives have depth, layer, texture and exquisite fine detail that should be seen in person if possible but the gallery is well aware that many people will not be able to come to the exhibition, and because of this they have endeavoured to make sure that each and every item that goes on show in the gallery is available to view on their website in advance of the opening date. They are also sharing Jacqui’s accompanying commentary overlaying each image, as an insight into her thoughts and feelings during lockdown and creating the particular piece.

…The surfaces of Jacqui’s still lives have depth, layer, texture and exquisite fine detail that should be seen in person if possible…

…I feel lucky my studio, my sketchbook and my paper and paints have been my solace…

“Like many artists I have had my share of exhibitions postponed, my collages stacked in the corner waiting for new homes to go to, my moments of sadness at what to do next, Lockdown came too suddenly and there was the moment that life was taken out of our hands and it changed for ever. The world stopped in a heartbeat and we were left reeling at what do next.

I feel lucky my studio, my sketchbook and my paper and paints have been my solace, the escape to the attic to snip another piece of paper. As the days turned to weeks and the weeks to months I have only my sketchbook as a diary, the calendar in the kitchen lays empty broken only by the reminder of the ringing of the bell on a Thursday. My petticoat garden blossomed with the blue-sky sunshine, the birds returned; the birdsong woke me instead of the cars…” – Jacqui Mair June 2020

Despite being open again, the gallery is aware not everyone will wish to venture out and because of this they have made sure that all the images of Jacqui’s work for Still Life in Lockdown are available to view and indeed buy online RIGHT HERE. If you wish to buy any of the work visit the gallery shop online HERE or you can contact the gallery by email info@jachousegallery.co.uk or by telephone 07503152848.

For those who will be coming along to the gallery in person (the exhibition runs until the 1st of August 2020) they are endeavouring to make your experience as enjoyable and safe as possible so please don’t be offended if they ask you to sanitise hands when you enter or ask you to wait outside should the gallery become busy. They have brollies, and refreshments!

Needless to say, all galleries and creative spaces have had a very difficult time during lockdown, many not receiving much support from central government. If you feel comfortable visiting the gallery and showing some love I’m sure that would be really well received…not to mention visiting the website to view the work, sharing your favourites via social media (such as Instagram: @jackhousegallery or Twitter: @jackhouse) or of course buying work to support the artist and gallery directly.

…they have made sure that all the images of Jacqui’s work for Still Life in Lockdown are available to view and indeed buy online…