The idea to show PORTABLE Collective’s work at the Old Fire Station sprouted in 2019, where the group of seven local artists would meet pre-pandemic.
So when faced with a lockdown, the group instead used the time to explore their art, albeit virtually, the results of which can now be seen on the walls of the gallery.
Entitled Fracture, the ensuing works range from abstract re-imaginings of architectural space, to more personal responses to grief, perhaps triggered by the trauma of the pandemic.
“With all that had happened over the past year, we decided to create a theme that acknowledged the disruption of the pandemic, yet simultaneously offers hope – the idea being that a ‘Fracture’ offers an opportunity to reassess and rebuild – potentially better than before,” contributing artist Jeremy Morgan explains.
“We hope our mixed practices and creative responses to ‘FRACTURE’ set up some interesting conversations and connections between the works for visitors and artists alike,” he adds.
PORTABLE Collective consists of photographers, print-makers, drawers, sculptors, print-makers, painters and artists who met on the Oxford Brookes Fine Art MA course.
Founder Zelga Miller, Mark Clay, Anne Griffiths, Sarah Wills-Brown and John Blythe enjoyed the idea of an eclectic mix of art practitioners working together. Miranda Miller and Jeremy Morgan joined later.
“Our goal is to use the idea of portability to play with this idea both within, across and between multiple “exhibition” spaces/locations so that visitors can explore these ideas with us,” Jeremy continues.
“Ultimately, we seek to embody and undertake a fresh start – for ourselves and for those who interact with our art.”
As well as seeing FRACTURE! by PORTABLE Collective until February 26 at OFS, you can also sign up for their creative workshop Cut’n’Paste on Saturday February 19, 10am – 12.30pm which explores the creative potential of change, using collage and mixed media, led by Miranda Miller and Jeremy Morgan. https://oldfirestation.org.uk/whats-on/cutnpaste/
