Manx National Heritage and the Creative Network are delighted to announce the opening of TRACES, a new exhibition featuring the work of 31 Manx artists at the House of Manannan in Peel.
Around a year ago, members of the Creative Network, a voluntary collective of approximately 75 Manx artists, were invited to respond to the theme ‘Traces’, interpreting the word through their own unique artistic vision. Working across a range of media and approaches, the participating artists have created a diverse and thought-provoking exhibition that explores how traces, both physical and emotional, shape our understanding of identity, environment, history, place and belonging.
The exhibition encourages visitors to reflect on the traces that have influenced their own lives and experiences. In doing so, TRACES becomes more than a collection of artworks; it is a meditation on the marks we leave behind and the marks that shape who we are. From contemporary concerns about our environmental footprint to growing awareness of the genetic traces inherited from previous generations, the exhibition explores the many ways traces connect us to our past, present and future.
Carola Rush from the Creative Network explained more:
“Once again, our artists have stepped up to the mark and created a wonderfully diverse range of individual responses to the theme of Traces. Family history remembered through clothes and photographs; environmental damage and change; human detritus from a beach and the threads of old paperwork from a working life being excised, are some of the traces identified by artworks in this exciting exhibition. The Creative Network organisers would like to thank all artists who produced and submitted work and the three selectors who made the difficult final choices of which works would make up the exhibition. We are also grateful to MNH for hosting us again and supporting us in bringing artists’ work into the public domain”.
Katie King, Curator of Art & Social History for Manx National Heritage added:
“It has been a pleasure to work with the Creative Network once again on TRACES. Manx National Heritage’s partnership with the Creative Network goes back to 2012, and over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for Manx artists to exhibit their work and share their creative responses to themes that resonate with our Island’s culture and heritage. TRACES is a wonderful example of that ongoing collaboration, and I’m delighted to see such a diverse and inspiring collection of work on display at the House of Manannan.”
The works selected for exhibition were chosen by guest selectors Kevin Atherton, an internationally renowned Manx-born artist; Peter Davies, resident artist and former art school principal; and Sarah Wilson-White, Head of Culture at the Isle of Man Government’s Department of Education, Sport and Culture. Their task was to identify works that responded most effectively to a broad interpretation of the theme.
TRACES is on display at the House of Manannan as part of the Manx National Heritage You Exhibit Programme from 20 June until 13 September 2026. Admission is free, with donations welcome.
ENDS