‘A Leg To Stand On’ by Joan Byrne
When Joan Byrne won a free show at Nolia’s gallery, she invited nine other artists to join her. Here’s her story.
I won the lottery! Not the National Lottery, but one run by Southwark Arts Forum, an organisation of 2,988 members (evidence, were it needed, of how vibrant the arts community is in our borough). My name was pulled out of a hat containing all those other names, and it was wonderful to be told that I’d won an exhibition at Nolia’s Gallery (a sculpted stone’s throw from Tate Modern) at no cost to me. What a thrill.
I haven’t always been an artist. Without wanting to sound too dramatic, I was a casualty of an ethos at secondary school where humiliation was key to teaching art. Consequently, I came to art late after a career in PR.
Actually, it was Dulwich Picture Gallery that first gave me the confidence to try my hand at art when I attended some of their inspirational classes. The first was with Peter Astwood. He told us to pick up a stick of charcoal and ‘copy’ an old master. I thought, you must be kidding. I gave it a go — The Three Graces — and with the results tacked up on the wall, he asked who drew that one. He complimented me, and that meant everything. Another time I went to life drawing classes run by Luke Jones, which has seeded a lifetime love of that art form. But, this is a bit of a diversion as I won’t be showing drawing or painting at 48 HOURS, but photography which has become my chosen art.
For my development as a photographer, I have Tate Modern to thank, in particular Sophie Howarth, curator of public programmes and co-author of Street Photography Now. During her time at Tate Modern she ran an exciting series of workshops on street photography. They gave me a context for something I loved doing and inspired me to do more of it. In 2005, I won Southwark Snapper of the Year and at last I could say, okay, I can do this.
Joan Byrne
As well as these two galleries, certain artists were incredibly supportive as I ventured into the world of art. I’ve invited nine of them to join me in this exhibition, each of them is a fabulous artist. They are all local, the majority live in East Dulwich, Nunhead or Peckham Rye. So, who are they?
First up is Chris Clack, the director’s winner of the Salvator Rosa Art competition. Chris, a digital print-maker, will exhibit some of his radical art. Pia and David Randall-Goddard will each show photography. Pia will be known to some of you as a founding Skip Sister.
Image by David Randall-Goddard
But did you know that she was previously official photographer to the Vauxhall Tavern? David, guitarist and singer with Widescreen, is a widely-published photographer here and in the US. Marion Michell is a multi-media artist who fashions exquisite objects from all sorts, including papers, fibres and artificial hair. Gin Dunscombe’s film ‘Avian View’ was selected for the BBC’s Open Screenings programme. She, too. works across media. Gin’s next show is in Siberia!
Abstract painter Caroline Wright explores the revelation and obscuration of hidden images. Caroline cites contemporary Australian Aborigine women artists as a major influence. Jacqueline Utley will also show paintings. Jacqueline’s recent exhibitions include fringemk painting prize exhibition, Milton Keynes and Prognostic Bridewell, APT Gallery, Deptford. Nick Cobb will present photographs of an architectural model car park where events portrayed go from bad to worse. If that sounds intriguing, the work will not disappoint. Finally, the dedicated documenter of East Dulwich and humanist photographer, Phil Polglaze, will show black and white photography which will feature his inimitable ‘cut-and-stix’ style.
Image by Pia
Dull, it won’t be. The exhibition will be fantastic. As for me, I will show street photos, with the focus on ‘model behaviour.’ I hope they will touch the heart, the funny bone or both.
PS: As a come-lately artist, I’m a great proponent of art. I highly recommend it to anyone with even the tiniest glimmer of interest. Give it a go! Right now I’m loving the art class at Dulwich Library run by Sheila Hardy, practising artist and wonderful teacher.
PPS: I’m a member of the redoubtable South London Women Artists and I’d just like to mention how brilliant they are at raising the profile of women artists and to them, too, I owe a big thank you.
Oh, and I’d like to thank my mother… okay, this is not the Oscars.
You are invited to the Private View – 48 HOURS @ Nolia’s Gallery
60 Gt Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BL
Friday, 25 March 2011, 6-9pm
or, come along to the exhibition on Saturday or Sunday, 26-27 March, 11am-5pm… 48 HOURS only!
