Oxford’s frosty Hilary term is best spent looking at new exhibitions, from Renaissance charcoal, prop-making, the treasures of the Ashmolean, or photography in the Pitt Rivers. This art calendar will guide you through some of the highlights open in term – and hopefully inspire you to write a review for Cherwell!
Suturing Wounds: Now until the 25th of January at the Pitt Rivers Museum
A photographic installation of Egyptian artist Sara Sallam that explores the impact of early archaeologists, artefacts, and modern curatorial practice. Byzantine-era Egyptian funeral garments are brought in conflict with the present through photography.
Living with Human Conflict: 23rd of January – 7th of March at Pembroke College JCR Art Collection)
Dr Chris Lavers presents the intersection of science and art, utilising satellite imaging, data and analytics to reflect upon the impacts of human conflict on communities as well as the environment. It promises to be a truly unique way of examining how science not merely influences, but can be at the heart of art.
It’s not just black and white: Now until the 16th of March at Christ Church Picture Gallery
In a change from the digital, cutting edge contemporary work, Christ Church offers a fresh look on the Renaissance. With works from the greats and the underappreciated on display, take a moment of rest from the modern world in this exhibition.
Story Painters, Picture Writers: 20th of January – 2nd of February at Kendrew Barn Gallery, St John’s College
The far fields of Renaissance Italy might be a bit of a journey, if you want something a bit closer to home (in both distance and time), local artists Julian Bell, Nick Bush, Jane Griffiths, Gala Hills, Jamie McKendrick, and Kate Montgomery all take a personal look in this varied exhibition that explores the relationship between painting, language, and narrative.
We’re Going to Need a Bigger Brush!: 23rd of January – 22nd of March at Modern Art Oxford
Personal narratives play a similar crucial role in this new exhibition by the Shadowlight Artists Collective. Bringing together learning disabled artists, the exhibition explores transformation, representation, and personas through a wealth of media.
Facing the Future: 20th of February – 25th of February at the Kendrew Barn Gallery
Ruth Swain and Paul Starns present a portrait exhibition of those diagnosed with breast cancer, or involved in treating, researching, and caring for those diagnosed. Narratives play a prominent role in exploring the lived experience and impact of breast cancer.
Unfinished – a poem by Carol Anne Clarl: Now until the 7th of June at the Pitt Rivers Museum
Carol Ann Carl has produced a poem written from the perspective of pearl shell tools taken in the late 19th century from the King’s tomb at Nan Madol. Carol Ann Carl, herself from the island of Pohnpei where Nan Madol is located, brings together her community work with storytelling, writing, and healing to produce this display.
Hopefully, in this diverse array of media, stories, works, and places to visit, something will spark your interest. Your Art Editors are excited to read your reviews of these, or of the many other exhibitions Oxford has to offer.
