In its ambition to be the centre of quality contemporary art in the Isle of Man, where visitors can enjoy and appreciate of a wide range of artistic styles, this next residency - involving audio visual work - is surely set to extend some boundaries.
The Sayle Gallery in Douglas has appointed Chris Kelly from Douglas to use his creative vision and musicianship to create ‘musical portraits’ during his year-long residency, which began on 1 August 2013.
Chris, whose background is in music production and performance, will photograph and film his subjects, discussing their lives and aspirations. He will then write lyrics based on these discussions and set these to original music to be part of his final project, a screening of still photographs, videos, interviews and music to take place at the end of his residency.
Sayle Gallery director Helen Fox, who was part of the panel who interviewed Chris for the Artist in Residence post, is very excited by his ideas:
“Chris impressed us all by his well thought out project. His ‘musical portraits’ involve so many different aspects of art – photography, film, music, composition - and he had considered how this will fit in with the Sayle Gallery’s own aims, to promote and encourage the creative arts in the Isle of Man. Chris will be interviewing his subjects, filming and composing in the Gallery, and I’m sure that many people who see him at work will want to be involved.”
Chris moved to the Island five years ago after studying for a BA in Music Performance at York St John University. He studied at the Isle of Man College before becoming an Education Support Officer for St Christopher’s (Isle of Man), whilst continuing with music in his spare time.
“ I’ve always been interested in psychology,” says Chris, “and my teaching background as well as various other jobs, has made me intrigued about what makes people tick. My ‘musical portraits’ will allow me to talk to people of all ages, from all backgrounds, and then to develop what I’ve learnt from them about their lives into an art form that is truly unique. I’m really excited to get started, and am grateful to the Sayle Gallery and the Isle of Man Arts Council for this opportunity.”
The Sayle Gallery is open every day, and for much of the time Chris will be working on his portraits there, so if you are interested in being part of the project call in to see him or phone the Gallery on 01624 674557 to arrange a convenient time with him.
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