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On this page, you can find out more about the latest virtual exhibition ‘Unlocked’ which celebrates art created in lockdown and see the new artist film.
The ‘Unlocked’ artists film features a selection of artists from the current virtual exhibition discussing their artwork in their own words as well as the impact of the pandemic. Some of the artists have also filmed the spaces where they make their artwork to give visitors a glimpse into their creative lives.
Cornelia Marland, Outside In exhibitions manager, said: “This short film has really brought our third virtual exhibition to life for me. I’ve enjoyed hearing from some of the exhibiting artists directly and learning more about their practice. If you would like to hear from some of them in more detail I also recommend the recorded Share Art session which can be found on the exhibitions page of our website.”
To celebrate the amazing creativity of Outside In artists during the Covid pandemic, a showcase exhibition has been put together. The aim of the exhibition is to reflect a cross-section of the events and emotions of lockdown – as well as the many materials and methods used to capture this unprecedented time. As a result the 15 images are a powerful, evocative, collection of creativity.
Marc Steene, director of Outside In, said: “Outside In has played a major role in supporting its artists to survive and thrive during the last year through its digital programmes. The lockdown has had a profound impact on peoples lives, it has shown the need for creativity in challenging times and the benefits that art can have for both the individual and society at large. The resilience, humour and creativity shown by our artists has not only helped them but provided a much needed source of pleasure and escape for our audiences as well.”
The artworks in the virtual space were selected by a panel of the Outside In team and include works shared during the lockdowns with the charity on Instagram using the #ShareArtOnline hashtag. This hashtag feed can be seen below and will be constantly changing – so why not get involved and unlock your artwork too?
A closer look at the role art has played during the pandemic and the impact it has had on the art world
“Art is something so integral to me as a person and my life that I would not feel complete without it. Throughout the Covid pandemic finding ways of being creative became my main focus.” – Bibo Keeley 
“It’s played an enormous part. It’s condensed all my time towards making and thinking about art…. I think people have had time to consider art during the pandemic.” – Cathy Chilly 
“…as a visual artist it’s more prolific as the art world has turned to a digital medium and it doesn’t cost anything to exhibit on line so art has been more accessible to people who don’t often get a chance because of financial constraints” – Clarke Reynolds 
“I think the pandemic has made the art world a more accessible place for house or bed-bound artist’s, like myself. For the first time ever I feel part of the art world, I feel included as my barrier of not being able to be physically present has been removed.” Corinne Perry 
“The art world has had to rethink creatively how they interact with artists and the general public, especially using digital means to expand inclusivity and accessibility, education and learning. I can see long term positive changes coming from this,” – Kate Simms. 
“During the pandemic, access has improved and doors have opened to the higher-end galleries, through online talks and exhibitions which anyone can access. I will be braver visiting them in real life now. I hope the art world remains open to a broader range of people in this way” – Beth Hopkins 
“Doing my art has helped a lot during the pandemic.” – Dominic Bennett 
“[art] has given me a sense of purpose and focus in these unstable times.” – Estelle Woolley 
“During the Covid pandemic art continued to be my escape… I was able to use the experiences of isolation due to the Covid restrictions and create works depicting these feelings.” – Carla Cannon 
“It has allowed me to express my emotions concerning the pandemic in a therapeutic way. It has helped me to stay as well as I can during this difficult time,” – Gail Henderson 
“Everybody now agrees that the arts play a critical part in our culture and without it our societies would be bland and emotionless.” – Straiph 
“It has allowed my creativity to form a shield of defence which protected me from some of the very difficult and tragic events that were taking place around the World” – Sabine Kaner 
“I have used cardboard when I paper ran out , coffee when paint ran out , envelopes , plas#c bags and even old plaster of paris on a pole and an old wheelbarrow, I can actually laugh now.” _ GreyTin 
“I think it’s made me think a lot deeper about things and you know try harder really during lockdown to find solutions to things” – Tony Fisher 
“Creating art always helps me to deal with my depression and anxiety, and this has been particularly important for me throughout the Covid pandemic,” – Rebecca Appleton
