Isolation 2020
On March the 23rd 2020, The United Kingdom went into lockdown, shutting down all non-essential businesses in a bid to tackle the world pandemic that is COVID-19. This closure encompassed all art galleries too.
With 1000’s of people staying at home, families torn apart, relatives separated… we all were left to isolate.
For many of us isolation was a gift, but for others, it was a curse.
For some, the lockdown gave time to reflect on our lives, become more connected to the world around us and, for artists, this gave a chance to focus on works that may have been going neglected and to be able to expand on creative practices.
The Minitopian Art Gallery had been closed for nearly a year when the pandemic hit. The owner had taken time to reflect on the gallery’s future and also his own practice, trying to find balance between his work life and personal life.
For him, the pandemic helped to find this balance and, because of this, he decided to re-open the gallery’s doors with a brand new show dedicated to promoting artists who have been unable to show their works in public.
This is why the first show that would be opened was called “Isolation 2020”.
A brand new show for people to see while isolated.
The show was to be broadcast live on Instagram and then works would be uploaded for people to view. It was a breath of life brought back into the gallery and since the gallery was re-opening, the owner decided it was time it had a facelift. So he decided that after the first show the gallery would receive a brand new look.
“Isolation 2020” is about being able to connect with each-other through art while being separated in person, through the use of the internet and other social media outlets, with the hope that those isolated can feel like they are part of something again and enjoy the wonders of the art world as they would normally.
From the hallway, a sneaky peak showing the works of Leah Morris resting against the wall being watched over by the works of Jeremy Gluck.
Lauren Miksys work waiting patiently to be sorted and exhibited within the space. Such amazing photography!
A lot of work goes in to setting up a show. It's not just the preparation of the space, as it's a miniature there is a lot more work that needs to be done before a show is put together.
The lovely sunlight of June shining in through the Georgian window, highlighting "Sculpture No. 2" by John Anthony. With Lauren Miksys work finally up on display.
Opening Day! The gallery is finally open with the works all up and on display! Amazing!
When works get archived after a show, a majority of them are put up on display in our shop for viewers to continue to enjoy long after a show has ended.
Lauren Miksys work on display in the Sculpture room.
Lauren Miksys work on display with John Anthony's "Sculpture No. 2"
The galleries two favorite artist returned to exhibit new works during this lockdown. Leah Morris (Left) and Jeremy Gluck (right). We enjoy exhibiting their works!
Lauren Miksys large scale photograph standing directly above the top stairs, with the silhouette of a black cloaked figure looking back at us.
These two were exhibited together for one reason. For the duration of lock down we have been reminded constantly to regularly wash our hands for 20 seconds. It has become a chore almost and somehow the image by Jeremy Gluck gives off this impression of how the hands have become such an important object to us. Yet, despite this, next to them is a young boy, looking up at the sunlight, giving off the feeling of being free from worry, being free to enjoy what it means to be alive. These two pieces open up a door for discussions to be made by the viewer.
In our last room are these 3 beautiful pieces of work, a continuation from Leah Morris and Jeremy Gluck sharing the space with John Anthony's "Sculpture No. 1". Together the 3 pieces compliment each other and give off the impression of being fluid in form, baring only a small fraction of solidarity.