London’s longest-running open
Art in Bermondsey has gone through many changes since the Bermondsey Artists’ Group took over the derelict café in Southwark Park in 1984 and held the first open exhibition for all artists of all levels of skill. That old bunker-like building became the magnificent purpose-built gallery we enjoy today and where we can also enjoy the 40th Annual Open, writes Michael Holland.
Once again the walls are filled with drawing, painting, photography and print; display cases show sculpture, and the whole show champions the diversity of the submitting artists as well as the diversity in artistic practise.
Over 400 artworks are exhibited, and this was made possible by having no judging panel deciding what was good enough but, instead, a size limit. Hence, no huge pieces taking up a space where twenty smaller pieces could go.
I quite enjoyed Anna Walsh’s pair of photomontages showing small sections of named streets in Peckham and Deptford, focussing on a piece of litter in each. The images could have, in reality, been taken anywhere as there were no identifying features, but by naming each photo I had something to relate to: where I went to school, where a friend lived. But do we have to know why we like a piece of art and have to explain our reasons? Or do we just have to be moved by it?
I just have to like a piece without having to wonder why, so I was quite taken by Sally Spinks’ Random Acts of Kindness, an old print up-cycled with an elaborate frame, wool and a pink zip! The title never made sensate me, I wasn’t sure if the act of kindness was dressing up a mundane image or it had, in fact, been listed incorrectly…
My favourite was Cécile Emmanuelle Barra’s Voyeuse, and, to be honest, I don’t want to know why I like that one.
The Annual Open has something for everyone. I saw young children getting excited about different pieces; artists fervently discussing another artist’s work; couples discussing which one to buy to go with the new settee, and people like me who go along every year because they enjoy seeing one of the best open exhibitions carry on doing what it does best – provide the opportunity for any artist to be part of London’s longest-running open.
This year, sound artist Paul Purgas and painter Joy Labinjo will award a £500 prize and a solo exhibition in the gallery’s Salter Space to a worthy winner.
Southwark Park Gallery, The Lake Gallery, Southwark Park, SE16 until 14th December.
Admission: Free.
