Reconnecting With Art

Well it’s been a while since going to exhibitions has been possible so getting along to see some of the local shows in the North East has felt like a bit of a treat.

During the last year and a half, my inspiration for colour and ideas has come from what was either pretty much on my doorstep or what was on my mind. Lots of walks in nature have introduced me to some nice greens and watching the colour palette of the seasons change have inspired palettes along with them.

Often I look to colour for a boost. It can be calming, refreshing, bold, subtle and it’s exciting to play with and discover colour palettes that compliment each other.

Now galleries are back open, I’ve recently enjoyed seeing what the North East has had to offer to allow everyone access to art, colour, inspiration and challenging ways to think and approach the world.

I paid a visit to The Hatton Gallery at Newcastle University to see the work of Catrin Huber. Huber explores the contrast between bright, bold and graphic paintings and Roman wall painting and archaeological remains.

“The use of colour, light, and shadows is also crucial to the overall experience, creating and disrupting immersive environments and setting up dramatic contrasts.” - Catrin Huber, The Hatton Gallery Website.

Taking a walk through Newcastle city centre and via the Quayside, there are several pieces of interactive art. I love how art can be so accessible in this way and encourages everyone to get involved and enjoy it.

CS Design and Lateral Office have installed a series of seesaws which was my favourite bit. They are so fun and playful which feels like the perfect combo after such a difficult year - art that encourages you to be carefree and enjoy yourself is a tonic. Once more, the seesaws have soundscape by Mitchell Akiyama so there are tunes playing as you go up and down. It made me laugh for the duration. Simple pleasures.

Taking a trip over the river to Gateshead and Baltic have some more colourful and interactive work in the form of the exhibition Biosfera Peluche / Biosphere Plush from Ad Minoliti. Minoliti has created an environment “offering a space for intersectional feminist education and fantasy” - Baltic website. Part of the space has been created to offer workshops for children to explore and “deconstruct historical narratives and reimagine the traditional genre of landscape painting from a feminist, intersectional and queer perspective.” It is an exciting opportunity for people to explore and promotes accessibility for all.

Darlington’s Hullabaloo In The Park Festival in South Park ran a series of events which encourage children and parents to get involved with too. Workshops to encourage dancing, making, creative thinking and new experiences too. There has been lots to see and do to get arty it feels really exciting.

Having access to these sorts of opportunities has inspired me in my own work and creating new prints and works though the things I’ve seen on these recent adventures. I’d love to know what has been inspiring you in your area now that we are less restricted and can reconnect with art.