New Wall Work
The external wall of Open Eye Gallery is made from a workable material called Corian. In the past, paint has been fired at the gallery (Walter & Zoniel: Spectra), sculptures have protruded from the walls (Emily Speed: Nothing Is Finished, Nothing Is Perfect, Nothing Lasts) and the exterior has beed ‘dazzled’ (S Mark Gubb: Good Sailing…)
In 2017, Open Eye Gallery celebrates its 40th Birthday Year (1977-2017). Our success is down to the many people who have shaped and grown the organisation. The new Wall Work features snapshot-quotes from 40 people reflecting upon their experience of Open Eye Gallery.
Shaped by our Research Curator and oral historian Dan Warner, and designed by Thom Isom, through the 2017 facade of the gallery we wish to pay homage to a much larger group of photographers, volunteers, partners, visitors and staff who have championed our work.
The new Wall Work, 40 Years of Open Eye Gallery: 1977-2017, will be unveiled on Thursday 5 January, 6-9pm.
#OEG40
40 Years of Open Eye Gallery: 1977-2017
Colin Wilkinson, Founder of Open Eye Gallery
“Open Eye Gallery, where I… was dynamic. We were doing an exhibition a month. It wasn’t madness – it was exciting. Opportunities came up and we took them.” – 1978
Mandy, Visitor
“Open Eye Gallery, where I… protested against an exhibition. Myself and other feminists sprayed shaving foam on some quite graphic images of women.” – 1980
Martin Parr, Photographer
“Open Eye Gallery, where I… exhibited The Last Resort with Tom Wood. The Gallery was a nice place to go. It was what you might call shabby chic, but it worked and functioned well and the show got a good response.” – 1986
Simon Norfolk, Photographer
“Open Eye Gallery, where I… discovered photography was what I’d do for the rest of my life. Having a voice that people want to hear is a rare privilege.” – 1999
Debbie Chan, Previous member of staff
“Open Eye Gallery, where I…got my first full-time job as trainee programme assistant. A significant occasion, because my Chinese parents always supported my madness for the arts, but never knew how.” – 2000
Tim Riley, Architect (Mann Island gallery)
Open Eye Gallery, where I…felt immense pride to be told that the design had captured the spirit of the Gallery and continued to provoke and engage the people of the city.” – 2011
Phoebe Kiely, Photographer
“Open Eye Gallery, where I…was given my first exhibition. I was given a voice throughout. I grew more as an artist during that exhibition than I ever had before.” – 2016
