For the inaugural Channel Islands Contemporary Art Show exhibition, opening in Jersey, audiences can expect a show that brings to life the curatorial ‘anchor point’ which is the inspiration for the Channel Islands have offered to artists through history, particularly from the late 19th century to mid 20th century, as well as reflecting the more complex social realities of the Islands today. It will also explore how both these realities continue to shape the Channel Islands’ relation to the wider world.
With landscape and portrait photography, subtly layered painted works alongside sculptural and video pieces, it will both question and invite the viewer to reflect on themselves and the complex global histories of these Islands. The show promises to be mysterious and experiential for the visitor, with shifting and changing perspectives, much like the Islands themselves when seen from close-up and afar, as visitors walk through the gallery environment.
As part of the Channel Islands Contemporary Art Show exhibition MAP6 photographer Aaron Yeandle will be exhibiting his new series "Scarp".
Guernsey boasts a storied history deeply entwined with its dramatic landscapes, creating a captivating narrative of memory and place. While its scenery can be breathtakingly picturesque, beneath the surface lies a wild, scarred environment adorned with intricate relics of its tumultuous past. Guernsey, in its own unique way, recounts its complex and troubled history through its distinctive landscapes and folklore.
The island's allure is defined by numerous elements: tales of witchcraft, ancient megaliths that stand as silent witnesses, enigmatic loophole towers, and the imposing German mega structures that still dot the landscape, remnants of World War II. The island's flora, with its romantic and mysterious connotations, and its rugged, treacherous coastline, which has claimed countless ships, further contribute to its rich narrative.
Guernsey and the Channel Islands possess a profound historical tapestry, marked by their enduring understanding of occupation and the constant threat of invasion. This social consciousness spans centuries, from the mythical Fairy and Elf Wars to encounters with Romans, Vikings, Normans, the French in the 1770s, and the dark chapter of the German Nazi occupation during World War II.
The "Scarp" project delves into the intricate process of signification, unveiling mythological and symbolic layers within these landscapes and objects. Through evocative photographs, it beckons viewers to pause, observe, and reflect upon sites often overlooked. The project emphasises that landscapes are never neutral; they carry the weight of history and human influence.
This series of photographs juxtaposes images to craft a narrative that is simultaneously playful and foreboding. Each picture weaves into the broader story, inviting viewers to explore the multifaceted relationship between a historical environment and its sense of place. "Scarp" creates an immersive visual and emotional connection to Guernsey's past, fostering a deep appreciation for the island's cultural heritage. Guernsey's history, a treasure trove of stories, beckons those willing to delve into its myths, legends, and inherited memory.
The Channel Islands Contemporary Art Show offers a diverse exhibition featuring 19 carefully selected artists. It is produced & curated by ArtHouse Jersey and Art for Guernsey, in association with Les Champs Libres in Rennes. The work will be first showcased at ArtHouse Jersey at Capital House between 19 January and 25 February 2024 followed by a month-long exhibition at Art for Guernsey in St Peter Port opening on Thursday 7 March 2024. The artists included are Leo Boyd (N. Ireland), Charlie Buchanan (Guernsey), Jason Butler (Jersey), Notta Caflisch (Switzerland), Paul Chambers (Guernsey), Connor Daly (Jersey), Emily de Gruchy (Jersey), Sally Ede-Golightly (Guernsey), Eugen Gorean (Moldova), Tim Le Breuilly (Jersey), Yulia Makeyeva (Jersey), Peter Mammes (South Africa/UK), Oleg Mikhailov (Russia), Shan O'Donnell (Jersey), Vesna Parchet (UK), Hugh Rose (Guernsey), Martin Toft (Jersey), Philipp Valenta (Germany) and Aaron Yeandle (Guernsey).
There will be a special celebratory launch evening on Thursday 18 January between 5.30pm and 7.30pm at ArtHouse Jersey at Capital House in St Helier where all are welcome to preview the work and toast the exhibition. You can learn more about the exhibition by visiting arthousejersey.je or artforguernsey.com