In - Out: Exhibition of new artwork by Jonathan O'Dea and Neil Irons

Work by: Jonathan O'Dea

Artists, Jonathan O’Dea has teamed up with fellow artist and friend, Neil Irons to display a series of artwork that explores human’s impact on our environment, both physically and psychologically with an underlying political aspect to it. The artwork ranges in styles and techniques, from painting, drawing and sculpture. The exhibition will form part of the program of events that marks the first London Borough of Culture in Waltham Forest. The London Borough of Culture is supported by the Mayor of London.

Work by: Neil Irons

Binary choices appear to be part of the norm, where in today’s world there feels to be very little room to sit back, stop and think about what the other options could be. In the name of progress time to stop and think is secondary. Part of this binary process encompasses political decision-making, where if tough decisions aren’t made now, with clear and decisive leadership, progress will take a backward step. The need to do things ‘now’ doesn’t give room for choice or options. The pace this progress has taken, especially in East London over the last 20 to 30 years has seen many social and physical changes where we have forgotten what a normal pace of life is. In some ways Jonathan O’Dea and Neil Irons have been part of this change, where, as artists their profession has been become a marketing commodity to help sell East London as up an and coming area. But the one thing about both of these artists, is that their work has always been truly reflective, mindful and sceptical of the impact of these changes from a physical and psychological view. They have remained dedicated to what it really means to be an artist, to sit back, stop and think about what art is really about, and how its informed. There is no binary process to their methods of working, they are truly part of the slow art movement; their work is considered and always timely. There is no thread setting going on here.

Jonathan and Neil’s recent work are reflections on their place in urban London, and how this city has impacted on their sense of identity and creativity. This is reflected in their physical work, which isn’t your run of the mill landscape paintings, or sculpture. Instead you get a raw feeling from their work, were you sense that things aren’t quite right with their world. To add to this, both artists have a very out-ward looking view of the world with a very European aspect to their identity, but yet retaining their sense of personal identity with their respective birthplaces. Jonathan moving to London from rural Ireland in 1987 with his family, and Neil moving from Dundee to London in his early 20’s in the same year.

However, recent binary choices such as the referendum on Europe, to be ether to be In or Out, has brought political decision making into question. This binary choice has only exposed a long festering wound were people have for some time questioned their place in their wider environment which has now taken the form of Brexit. This binary issue is clearly reflected in Jonathan’s and Neil’s work where it explores the idea of 2 worlds in which you feel you have to either choose to be in one place or the other. Very much like how the regeneration of East London has forced people to make a stark choice, either be part of something or just disappear. However this binary process does not always provide you with options to choose; you are left floating between two worlds. Something that is very apparent in Jonathan and Neil’s recent work.

2015 E17 Art Trail

Me and the E17 Art Trail 2015: See link for details

http://www.e17arttrail.co.uk/index.php?page=101&passed_index=247

I am pleased to say that I will be part of this years E17 Art Trail. This will be my 5th year taking part in the Trail and I will be opening my new studio to show some of my most recent artwork. My studio is housed in the Lloyd Park Studios behind the Award winning William Morris Gallery.

The preview will be from 6 - 8pm on the 12 June. The studio will be open to the general public on 13 and 14 June from 12 - 6pm. The address is Lloyd Park Studios, Lloyd Park, Forest Road, London, E17 5EH

The E17 Art Trail is now one of the key cultural events in London. Now in its 11th year the Trail has played a vital role in Waltham Forest's cultural profile. The event has created an annual focus for the Borough where Waltham Forest has establish a clear identity were you can feel part of a wider community. The Art Trail has also helped to create a strong argument on the how cultural events and activities can further social and economic regeneration of an area. The major efforts to save and revitalise the William Morris Gallery with funding was secured to bring this now major cultural venue back to life is a central part of cultural regeneration in our borough.

One of the major assets that underpins the Art Trail each year is the artists, of course I would say this because I'm one of the artists. But an art trail wouldn't be an art trail without art and the artists that create it. A lot of personal time and resources goes into producing the artwork and the events that showcase the artwork. We all have personal reasons as artists why we get involved in the Art Trail but I think the common denominator for us all is that the E17 Art Trail is a great way of creating public engagement around our work and practice. The general public has a great opportunity to see some of the best artistic talent in London for FREE, and to buy a piece of cultural at an affordable price.

But the E17 Art Trail wouldn't exist if it wasn't for the efforts of Laura Kerry, Morag McGuire and Cris Thompson and its supporters. On a personnel level the Art Trail has become a major event to be involved in as professional artist and I hope to be involved at some level over the next 11 years.