An exhibition featuring the work of 300 artists, including a handbag made from a dead rat, has opened in Derry.
Artist Denzil Brown pictured with his unique taxidermy piece Rat Bag.
Celebrating creativity, “No Jury No Prize” is being staged at the London Street Gallery as part of the City of Culture programme and features a diverse range of work by artists in all mediums and will run until 6 November. It is hoped the exhibition will be an annual event.
A special symposium will be held in the Playhouse this Saturday to discuss the exhibition and will be dedicated to participating artists and members of the public who are keen to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about “What is Art?”
Featuring some intriguing pieces – including a handbag made from a dead rat entitled Rat Bag by artist Denzil Brown – the exhibition is the brainchild of local artist and curator Rory Harron, a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art.
The concept finds its roots in the ethos of the Salon des Refusés and the Société des Artistes Indépendants in 19th century Paris.
Rory has been working alongside gallery curator Noelle McAlinden, who declared the exhibition should now become an annual event.
‘The exhibition was scheduled specifically to get maximum profile and exposure for artists local as well as regional during the Turner Prize, and they have really done an excellent job,’ she said.
‘We have been working with Rory for over a year and a half or so to help make this exhibition and symposium happen, and it’s attracted great interest from artists, educators, curators and the general public. It’s accessible and engaging and that’s what this year and this gallery is all about.
‘The response has been amazing. The artists have not disappointed us, they have responded in creative and resourceful ways, some sensitively and some with great humour and wit, while others have made significant statements about some very serious issues.”
Over 200 guests attended the launch which was broadcast live to both Derry and London on Resonance FM who set up studio in the Gallery providing a platform for artists and exhibitors to tell their story and provide insights into what inspired them, as well as their views on “No Jury No Prize.”
The exhibition is now open to the public until November 6 (11.00am to 4.00pm, seven days a week including Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
To book places at the symposium on November 2, email [email protected]
Cara Donaghey pictured at the No Jury No Prize exhibition
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