Portraits of two famous Oldhamers are set to feature in Gallery Oldham’s first exhibition open to walk-in visitors once lockdown restrictions hopefully start to ease further.
Manchester Academy of Fine Arts brings its exhibition ‘Art of the Everyday’ to the borough from May 18 (dependent on the government’s roadmap) to June 26.
The theme of “every day” was chosen last year – when no one could have imagined how drastically Coronavirus would change everyone’s lives.
This is reflected in the drawings, prints, paintings and sculptures produced by the 53 artists taking part in the exhibition.
Artist Colin Taylor’s painting ‘Last Day in Manchester’ shows eerily empty streets of the city centre, Alison Diamond Rogers’ wood engraving ‘Holding Hands’ feels very different from if we’d looked at this 18 months ago.
There are also portraits by Kath Lowe of Oldham-born Professor Brian Cox and Sir Norman Stoller, who have enhanced our everyday lives through science and philanthropy, respectively.
Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Culture, said: “The pandemic has had a huge impact on every aspect of our lives.
“This exhibition captures images that have become the norm over the last 14 months while also showcasing the good and the great.
“Nearly all of the works in the show are for sale. Buying a work from the exhibition is a great way to support local artists and our local economy at this tricky time.
“I think everyone is looking forward to Gallery Oldham reopening and this is a fitting exhibition to help welcome people back through the doors.
A digital programme is being run to accompany the exhibition.
MAFA artists Janina Cerbertowicz and Anthony Ratcliffe share their top artistic tips on Pastel drawing and woodcut relief printing techniques.
Anna Thomas and Peter Davis take you behind the scenes in a guided tour of their studios.
The MAFA website – www.mafa.org.uk – will also feature filmed interviews with MAFA president Malcolm Taylor and MAFA Exhibition Organiser Kath Lowe, both successful artists
The easiest way to buy work from the exhibition is to visit the gallery and make your choice.
Follow @galleryoldham on Instagram and Twitter or Gallery Oldham on Facebook.
More information is also available via www.mafa.org.uk
