AN exhibition which showcases the work of a year long artist residency will be opened by local TT rider Conor Cummins at Ramsey Town Hall next week.
Racing Through Time is an exhibition of 20 paintings by Manx artist Michael Starkey and was commissioned by the Isle of Man Arts Council to commemorate the centenary of the Mountain Course.
The first part of the exhibition was displayed in the Villa Marina during TT fortnight in June but the complete collection of paintings is now finished and will be on display until September 16.
Each painting depicts a point on the TT course throughout the decades since the TT began. The paintings therefore show how some of the course has changed considerably over the years. Michael undertook extensive archive research to ensure the paintings are historically accurate.
He said: "I have tried to capture a moment either before the bikes have arrived or just gone past. I wanted to record that feeling of anticipation that comes with an empty road. The roads and banks have changed many times since 1911 but the atmosphere has remained the same. The one thing that comes back over and over is the enthusiasm and knowledge that both riders and fans have. There are many parts of the course I have not painted - maybe next time."
Conor Cummins will attend the opening of the exhibition on August 19 alongside the chairman of the Arts Council Quintin Gill. For those attending there will be a chance to see Conor's Kawasaki bike and leathers and an early Indian motorcycle like the one that won the TT in 1911.
David Cretney MHK, Community, Culture and Leisure Minister, said: "This exhibition combines two of the things the Isle of Man can be most proud of - its motorsport heritage and the high standard of prolific artists we have here. This wonderful collection of art is a permanent record of how the TT course has developed throughout its history and Michael deserves credit for the research and time he has given to ensure every detail is correct."
The complete collection of artwork will become part of the Arts Council's contemporary art loan collection. The loan collection consists of 349 original pieces of art and prints and is displayed in public buildings and schools. Michael becomes one of many Manx artists whose work is included in the collection such as Michael Sandle, Norman Sayle, Chris Killip, Bryan Kneale, Peter Hearsay, Juan Moore and Adam Berry.
Quintin Gill MHK said: "This is the second artist residency and exhibition this year that the Arts Council has funded and both artists have shown an exceptionally high quality and dedication to their work. Racing Through Time is a perfect example of Michael's talent and attention to detail and the Arts Council is very proud to have supported him and to own the complete set of 20 paintings as part of the loan collection."
One of the images - of Ramsey Town Hall in 1957 - has been enlarged so that fans can have their photograph taken next to it dressed as a marshall. On Monday, August 29 there will also be a chance for members of the public to meet Michael and ask any questions that they may have.
