Our thanks to Isle of Wight sixth-form student Pip Johnson for sharing this fabulous review of the Creative Biosphere exhibition. In her own words, Ed
Until Saturday 4th February 2023, Quay Arts‘ West Gallery is showcasing the Island’s Creative Biosphere exhibition. An array of creativity from around the Isle of Wight is presented, with many artists partnering up with schools and other organisations.
Huge variety of art forms
As you look around the gallery, the theme of biosphere can be seen from many different perspectives and creative approaches.
From flags, photography and carnival costumes to wire sculpture, charcoal drawings and film documentaries, the gallery has been transformed into a collage of multi-media, creative interpretations of the biosphere.
Inspiration from the stone
In one section of the gallery, artist Trudie Wilson has collaborated with Carisbrooke College, bringing together a collection of pieces inspired by a stone outside of the school.
An insight into the creative process behind the project is shown, such as with the inclusion of initial charcoal drawings, a collection of journal pages and photographs that provided inspiration for the project and perhaps the centrepiece is the intricate wire sculpture of the stone.
A trail of mythical creatures
Across from this, is one of my favourite parts of the exhibition, a trail of mythical creatures created by artist Teresa Grimaldi and young people involved in Brave Island, Ventnor Free School and Ventnor Exchange.
Perhaps what is the most vibrant and interactive aspect of the exhibition, this project creates an almost chaotic but beautiful representation of what is meant by the Island’s biosphere. This project links also to a trail in Ventnor Park, tying together the importance of exploring nature and the imaginations of the young people involved.
Bringing colour and vividness to the gallery
One of my other highlights of the exhibition include the project between Liz Cooke and Cowes Enterprise College. Inspired by artwork and drawings made by students at the school, Liz has created a series of beautiful, multi-coloured flags, of which three are displayed in the gallery.
This project brings so much colour and vividness to the gallery, as well as showing the diversity that the space can be used for.
Highlights how unique and important the Island is
Overall, the Creative Biosphere exhibition clearly highlights the true meaning of how unique and important the Island is to both the natural world and the art world.
Not only are a diverse number of places on the island represented, but also the gallery has become an explosion of creativity, colour and connection between the creative arts and the biosphere we live in.
Where and when
Visit the Creative Biosphere exhibition in The West Gallery, Quay Arts Centre, 15 Sea Street, Newport PO30 5BD.
Open 9am-5pm daily seven days a week. Entry is free. Last day of the exhibition is Saturday 4th February.
Images: © Maria Bell Photography
