An exhibition of five new commissions by early-career artists and makers brought about through the biennial Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open.
Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open (formerly Jerwood Makers Open) returns for its eighth edition, showcasing work by Anna Berry, Cecilia Charlton, Jahday Ford, Vicky Higginson, Francisca Onumah and Helena Russell. The five commissions provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting new work being produced by UK-based artists and makers today.
Artists have incorporated a broad range of material disciplines, including glass, textiles, digital modelling, silversmithing and sculptural installation. Although working across a variety of mediums and processes, the makers explore some common themes across their works such as the relationship between digital technology and traditional techniques, the potential of repetition in making, the power of tools, and the rich history of their material practices. The exhibition allows research, concepts and experimentation to shine alongside the extraordinary craftsmanship of the objects created.
Recognising and promoting the significance of making practice and process within contemporary visual arts, Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open gives exceptional artists and makers the opportunity to develop their creative ideas independently, enabling them to experiment, learn and take risks at a pivotal moment in their careers.
The artists were selected from over 500 applications in response to a UK-wide call for entries for self-directed proposals from artists and makers who are between 1 and 10 years of establishing their practice. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, for this edition, the awardees receive an increased award of £10,000 each plus curatorial and production support from the Jerwood Arts team to enable the making of new work over an extended 12-month period.
Selectors:
- Dame Magdalene Odundo, potter
- Yinka Ilori, artist and designer
- Junko Mori, artist, maker in metal
- Christine Rew. Art Gallery and Museums Manager at Aberdeen Art Gallery
- Harriet Cooper, Head of Visual Arts at Jerwood Arts