‘Outer Space’ is the Sayle Gallery’s contribution to World Space Week – an international celebration of science and technology launched by the UN in 1999 and held in October every year since.
The dates commemorate the launch of the first human-made Earth Satellite – Sputnik 1 – in October 1957, and the signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in October 1967.
Images sent back from satellites and rockets as well as long-held mystical beliefs have all contributed to this exciting and varied exhibition at the Sayle Gallery, which was initiated by artist David Maddrell:
“The eight artists involved have added to the wonderful sprinkling of space dust the Isle of Man has come to enjoy of late – visits by Professor Brian Cox and NASA astronauts stand out - as well as more prosaic financial incentives for companies involved in space and satellite exploration from the IoM Government,” says David. “Imaginations have been fired up, and this exhibition draws on the talents of Sayle Gallery artists to help celebrate all things ‘space’”.
David’s own work in the exhibition includes etchings and screen prints, along with a large circular painting of a character titled ‘Heavenly Ambassador’ complete with a heavenly host in gold around the rim. Bryony Harrison’s work stems from nebulae (clouds) in space, influenced by photos taken from the Hubble Space Telescope, and although Rosi Robinson looked at similar photos, she used them as a jumping off point and went on to think about quantum physics, black holes, seething energy and tremendous violent collisions, all of which influenced her finished work. Eileen Schaer has considered the ‘outer space’ theme on completely differently, and one of three extraordinary works of visionary poetic painting from her wonderful imagination depicts a Hare "Balanced on the Moon".
Guest artist Richard Jeffers has contributed digital colour sketches which began life as biro drawings which he then scanned. Richard grew up on the Island but now lives in Manchester and works in the paint department of company specializing in the design and construction of stop-motion puppets for TV, film and advertising. He has worked on the puppets for a number of Tim Burton animations – including the soon-to-be released ‘Frankenweenie’ - and this has clearly influenced his interpretation of the exhibition’s ‘Outer Space’ theme.
The exhibition is sponsored by SES Satellite Leasing Ltd, and its Managing Director, Mark Guthrie, is delighted to be involved:
"SES satellites provide communications links around the world - literally - and it is fascinating to see how these talented local artists have let their imaginations loose to interprete, and reinterprete, both images that satellites have brought back to earth and more mystical and mythical themes. Although telecommunications and finance are often seen as dry, perhaps even unexciting, subjects, I hope that visitors to this exhibition at the Sayle Gallery will see how our work at SES impacts on everyone in some very surprising ways."
Sayle Gallery Artists taking part in the exhibition include: Bryony Harrison, Charlotte Henry, David Maddrell, Rosi Robinson, Eileen Schaer and Christine Williams, along with two guest artists Xander Hook-Hultgren and Richard Jeffers.
Location: The Sayle Gallery, Villa Marina Arcade, 1-3 Harris Promenade, Douglas, IM1 2HN
Opening times: 10am – 5pm Tue – Sat, 1.30 – 4.30pm Sundays, 1pm – 5pm Mondays
Admission: FREE
Telephone: 01624 674557
