Art of the Everyday

Gallery Oldham, 18 May 2021 – 26 June 2021

Looking at the world through the eyes of the everyday, MAFA artists explore things that we often take for granted. The everyday tasks that we do, the home interiors we are familiar with and the things that we see everyday which usually go unnoticed.

We started to plan this exhibition well before the Covid pandemic. Everyone’s everyday changed dramatically in March 2020 and for many of our artists creating and painting has provided an escape during lockdown.

Creating art, and viewing art, are a natural way to practice mindfulness. The colours, textures and sounds of creating pull us into the moment. Art opens the space between our thoughts and emotions and allows us to move into a higher level of consciousness.

When we see art, we are often moved or inspired; it allows us to step outside ourselves and become open to something beautiful, something different, something unexpected. Art makes us vulnerable and forces us to consider possibilities. Art communicates what words cannot; and in that exchange, mindfulness can unfold.

The exhibition also captures the way that our lives have evolved during the last year; working from home, queuing, video calling loved ones and empty roads. Our artists have been inspired by daily walks capturing their local landscapes, others have focused on activities that have helped their mental wellbeing – DIY, gardening, cooking and escaping to the bath.

Most works in The Art of the Everyday exhibition are for sale. Download the digital catalogue for more about the artworks in this exhibition, details about what inspired MAFA’s sculptors, painters and printmakers as well as the prices. The catalogue can also be purchased from Gallery Oldham’s shop.

Download Art Of The Everyday Catalogue (Accessible PDF)

To accompany the Art of the Everyday exhibition Gallery Oldham are running a programme of digital activities. These include video tutorials on creating woodcut prints and a guide of how to use pastels. Peter Davis and Anna Thomas have also produced films about what the everyday of a professional artist looks like.

Tuesday 4 May | A Day in the Life of Anna Thomas

Ever wondered what a day in the life of an artist would be like?

Painter and MAFA artist Anna Thomas gives an insight into her everyday, including the sources of her inspiration and a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her studio. You can find out more about Anna Thomas on her website.

Saturday 8 May | Woodcut Printing with Anthony Ratcliffe

In this short film printmaker Anthony Ratcliffe demonstrates the process of making a simple woodcut print starting with a sketchbook drawing made on local Pennine moorland. The drawing is recomposed, inverted and painted onto a woodblock in its reversed state. The block is then cut and printed by hand using readily accessible tools and materials.

Take a look at Anthony Ratcliffe’s website for more details about his work.

Tuesday 11 May | A Day in the Life of social realist painter Peter Davis

Artist and MAFA member Peter Davis opens his studio to viewers and shares his ‘everyday’. He takes a sketching trip to Manchester and gets his latest series of paintings framed. He also shares his inspiration for his painting in the Art of the Everyday exhibition ‘Stay Safe’ and his interest in capturing our relationship with digital technology. To find out more about Peter’s paintings, go to his website.

Saturday 15 May | Pastel tutorial with Janina Cebertowicz

Join MAFA artist Janina Cebertowicz as she shares her top tips on using pastels to build up colour and depth in your work. A great film to watch for beginners and those who want to improve their technique with this medium. Take a look at more of Janina’s artwork via her website.

Gallery Oldham will also be interviewing Malcolm Taylor and Kath Lowe about MAFA, their favourite work in the exhibition and the challenges that the pandemic has presented for artists.

For the latest Gallery Oldham opening times and to plan your visit, go to Gallery Oldham’s Homepage.