Artists showcase lockdown work in The Galleries’ empty shops

Keep ART It is a temporary exhibition of work from six accomplished Bristol-based artists. They are currently showcasing their work using empty shop space at the galleries until Sunday, December 20. It is the first opportunity for all the artists involved to show work made during lockdown.

This pop-up gallery has occupied empty shops – with permission from the shopping centre manager – since December 3. The initiative has received positive feedback from members of the public.

Project curator Douglas Karson, whose art occupies one of the shops, has set up a system where members of the public can vote for their favourite artist. On each shop window there is a brief description of each artist, with a QR code which can be scanned to view their online shop.

The idea behind keep ART it is simple, explains Douglas: “To share art with as many people as possible.”

When the exhibition ends, the plan is to use one of the empty shops to host an artist in residence. This will give the artist free workspace while allowing the public to view their paintings as they are being made.

The shops showcasing work for Keep ART It are scattered around The Galleries. Photo by Harry Bristol

Over the last few days, the artists have had to move some of their work to make way for the filming of The Offenders; a new drama series directed by Stephen Merchant and starring Christopher Walken. The series is being filmed across various locations in Bristol, including The Galleries.

Artist Andrew Burns Colwill had to temporarily remove some of his paintings from the ground floor shop so Stephen Merchant and the film crew could use the space as a director’s room.

Andrew’s artwork has always been political and controversial but in recent years he has focused his attention on the environment. He says he believes that as a human race “we are going down the wrong path”. This is evident in his murals that have been painted for Upfest such as The Scream and more recently The Gift, which can be found in Bedminster on a wall opposite the Black Cat pub.

Andrew Burns Colwill’s mural Arctic Scream shows polar bears’ habitats being destroyed by human rubbish, photo by Harry Bristol.

The work he is displaying at Keep ART It follows this environmental theme: not only in the images but in the materials used. He uses recycled wood and untreated canvas.

Like many artists, Andrew has lost a lot of work this year but feels that he has gained a lot in the time it has given him for reflection. “I’m quite happy I’m not following up with what was going to happen this year,” he told Bristol24/7.

“I’ve been watching documentaries and history programmes incessantly and I think I know which way we need to go now. I want to show people through my work what I see. I believe the whole system needs to change – I don’t think I’m wrong,” said Andrew.

Andrew uses recycled wood for some of his artworks, in response to environmental issues . Photo by Douglas Karson

Hazel Mountford, like Andrew, is occupying a shop on the ground floor. She is an award-winning wildlife artist and is displaying four new pieces that were created over the lockdowns, including her first political piece: Fahrenheit.

Also on the ground floor, you can find the work of Dave Sharp, who is a speed painter. Usually, he gets paid by celebrities to produce portraits within a few minutes at gala dinners, that are then sold at auctions. This will be the first time his work is displayed at a public exhibition.

The final painter is Rosie Caley, a landscape artist who creates art as a hobby alongside her successful painting and decorating business.

DFTE’s shop has been used for stunts during filming of The Offenders. Photo by Douglas Karson

DFTE – which stands for Don’t Feed the Ego – is an anonymous artist whose work focuses on positive messaging. His work is usually given out for free, so this is the first time he has ever sold his work.

During the filming of The Offenders, his shop has been used for stunts. The production team moved a bucket they had found in the bathroom – not realising it was a piece made by DFTE. One of the stunt performers was beside himself with laughter after discovering that the bucket was in fact a piece of art worth £1,000.

Curator Douglas is also an artist, and is using the old House of Colours shop to display his big, bold, colourful pieces that are “fun to make and share and are about living life with a sense of balance”.

“I feel humbled and lucky to be able to organise such a thing with these people who I respect so much. I do think a certain standard of art reaches more people. I believe everyone should be doing art but not everyone should be selling art.”

Keep ART It is on at The Galleries, 25 Union Galleries, BS1 3XD address until Sunday December 20. Find out more at www.keepartit.org

212 Productions have a Christmas Fayre at Unit 8, St Werburghs Rd BS2 9PG from 10-5pm on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th December.

Main image by Douglas Karson

Read more: Christopher Walken to star in Stephen Merchant’s new Bristol drama