A new art exhibition opens at the House of Manannan on Saturday 11 March. THIRTY is an exhibition to mark the 30th anniversary of the Isle of Man Art Council’s Loan Collection. The exhibition includes pieces by world class artists such as Michael Craig-Martin, Anish Kapoor, Robyn Denny; Young British Artists of the 1990’s Jenny Saville, Tracey Emin and Jake Chapman; along with work by contemporary artists, Sarah Maple, Sara Pope, David Shrigley; together with local artists David Fletcher and Kevin Atherton.
The lsle of Man Art Council Loan Collection was established in 1993 by local artist and teacher David Fletcher. In later life he described the collection as one of his greatest achievements. He was its curator and, together with his wife fellow artist Eileen Schaer, they toured the UK and further afield to purchase prints, paintings and photographs. Buying the work for educational purposes helped David and Eileen negotiate good prices with galleries as they acquired work by artists such as Anthony Gormley, Damien Hirst, Picasso, Joseph Albers, Elizabeth Frink and David Hockney, as well as Manx artists Bryan Kneale, Michael Sandle and Chris Killip. The Collection comprises more than 300 works, which are divided into small groups and loaned to schools, libraries, hospitals, prison and public buildings.
Martyn Cain, Arts Development Officer for the Isle of Man Arts Council said:
“The Loan Collection is a wonderful way to explore some of the finest artists of the past 75 years. This exhibition sees some of the most well-loved names in art from early innovators to Young British Artists and rising stars.”
Katie King, Manx National Heritage’s Curator: Art & Social History, added:
“THIRTY includes pieces by some iconic British artists, many of whom are household names. It will be a wonderful opportunity for local people to come and explore the works which have been carefully curated for this special show. It will enable visitors to embark on an artistic journey into British modern and contemporary art, without leaving the Isle of Man.”
THIRTY opens on Saturday 11 March – 14 May 2023 at the House of Manannan in Peel. The House of Manannan is open daily from 9:30am – 4:30pm. Admission is free, with donations welcome.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Lynsey Clague, Communications Manager
Manx National Heritage
T: 01624 648032
IMAGES:
Sara Pope, Decadence (2017)
Copyright: Sara Pope
Contemporary artist Sara Pope is well known for her bold, seductive paintings of voluptuous lips. Taking inspiration from her experience working for several years in the fashion industry, and in magazines as a designer and art director, Sara aims to capture the glamour and seductive power conveyed by the lips and mouth. Raising questions of beauty, consumerism, and the rise of image perfectionism Sara imitates the slickness of advertising, whilst provocatively subverting its themes.