Plymouth Contemporary

An impressive line-up of artists from the UK and Europe has been selected to show work at the Plymouth Contemporary Open 2015.

More than 450 submissions were received for the exhibition, with the pieces exploring the relationship between history and the very latest innovations and understanding within contemporary art practice.

The final list of 25 artists and collaborations has been selected by a panel of respected judges, with the works to be displayed in the Peninsula Arts Gallery at Plymouth University in July and August.

The artists whose works will form part of the exhibition include Ruaidhri Ryan (London), Cathy Lomax (London), Steven Paige (Plymouth), Pilar Mata Dupont (Rotterdam), and Ailbhe Ní Bhriain (Cork).

The Plymouth Contemporary Open 2015, sponsored by Santander Universities, is the first initiative from the Plymouth Contemporary Partnership, a new collaboration between Peninsula Arts, Plymouth University and the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery.

Dr Sarah Chapman, Director of Peninsula Arts, said: 

“The number and quality of submissions has exceeded our expectations and demonstrates the Plymouth Contemporary Open has captured artists’ imaginations. The final lineup is exceptionally strong and represents all stages of art practice, encompassing an age range of early 20s to late 60s. With such a broad range of mediums and subjects, the exhibition promises to be an incredible display of artistic talent which I hope will inspire audiences when it opens in July.”

Sam Thorne, Artistic Director of Tate St Ives and part of the judging panel, added: 

“It has been a thrill to be on the selection panel for the Plymouth Contemporary Open, and fascinating to be introduced to a lot of new names, voices and positions. The exhibition promises to be a great platform for all kinds of artists, whether from the South West, around the UK or beyond.”

The contest opened in mid February, and artists were invited to submit works for consideration by a highly respected panel of judges, comprising: Turner Prize judge Helen Legg, Director of Spike Island, Bristol; Sam Thorne, Artistic Director, Tate St Ives; Judith Robinson, Partnerships Officer at Plymouth City Council; Dr Sarah Chapman, Director of Peninsula Arts; Chris Cook, Associate Professor (Reader) in Painting, School of Art and Media, Plymouth University; and Professor Alan Schechner, Head of School of Art and Media, Plymouth University.

It was open to all visual artists of any medium, and the submissions – which came from Europe, Japan, Peru, India and the USA – included works of video, painting, drawing, textiles, photography and installation.

As well as featuring in the exhibition, and potentially having their work seen by thousands of visitors, the chosen artists also stand a chance of winning one of four prizes.

A £2,500 first prize (sponsored by Artmill Gallery & Framing Centre) and a £1,000 prize will be selected by the judging panel, while a £1,000 prize will be awarded in recognition of an outstanding new artist. A £500 Audience Choice award will also be decided by visitors to the exhibition.

The full list of artists featuring in the exhibition is as follows: Bram Thomas Arnold, 'How to Walk'; Amy Thomas and Oliver Irvine, 'Silencio'; Dan Beard, ‘Portait of Jean-Claude Duvalier' and '25 May 1980'; Harriet Bowman, 'Brick to Bone on a lukewarm plane'; Jennifer Boyd and Alice May Williams, 'Viral Content. 2'; Jessie Brennan, 'A Brutal Story', and 'Conversation Pieces'; Bristol Diving School, 'Calor Immodicus (Excessive Heat)'; Chloe Brooks, 'Gleaming Portico', and 'Cover and Adorn'; Michael Cox, untitled; Tim Foxon, 'A Shipment for a Massive Baby'; and 'Butties'; Naomi Frears, 'The Visitor'; and 'Invisible Ceilings'; Laura Gower, 'Institutions'; Jane Hayes Greenwood, 'The Returned'; Will Kendrick, 'Only the Statues Remain'; Samuel Levack, 'For the Roses'; Jennifer Lewandowski, 'For Freedom'; Cathy Lomax, 'Marina', and 'Socialite'; Mateusz Marek, 'Ryszard Czekala's "Apel" jail poster'; Pilar Mata Dupont, 'Mountain'; David Morgan-Davies, 'Life Before Colour #1' and 'Life Before Colour #2'; Ailbhe Ní Bhriain, 'Window', and 'Journey'; Steven Paige, VINVS FOGGINI / SCVLPSIT FLO / RENTIAE / 1749 & Antinous/Acrobats; Sarah Poots, 'Moulds (Charlie Brown)'; Michael Porter, 'Day and Night 05-03-15', and 'Day and Night 24-03-15'; Ruaidhri Ryan, 'Beltcraft Studios'; and Paul Vivian, 'Crouching Billionaire Ghost'.