Jason from the Ryebank Gallery looks back over the last three years:
Why did you start the gallery?
The space came before the gallery, I just loved it. The idea of the gallery came from going to see a friend of ours, Bekky May, at the Business Design Centre in Islington degree show, she had invited us to see her work, she was there as a “year on student” and I was blown away by the amazing work from the students and thought the bank would make an extraordinary gallery.
What have been the most memorable moments?
The open call was wonderful, we had work from all over the world. It was 650+ submissions across all mediums and it was a huge task going through each one individually, creating short list after short list. We finally all agreed on 64 artists and 155 pieces of work which completely filled the gallery.
What sort of paintings do you feel more drawn to?
For me personally, if I go to before we opened the gallery two artists really caught me for completely different reasons – James Tomlinson, who is a great friend, his work just captured me. His street style with political messages, mixed media on wood, canvas and any reclaimed flat thing he could find he would paint on. It just talked to me and made me think of the wider world.
The other artist is Julia Swaby’s abstract work. She just transports me to wonderful places, lets me lose myself in her work, I find it incredible how she can convey so much in a single painting and how they change, with the light or even the mood you find yourself in as you admire her work.
They are both just lovely human beings with completely different styles.
Did art appreciation play a big part in your growing up?
Art was not a large part of my life until I became a tad older, late 40s and moved to Rye. We have so much talent in this area it is difficult not to come across their work and admire their ability.
We have had so much support over the three years, artists have put their trust in us and stood by their principles to do so. The decision to close has been such a tough one to make because of this trust and support, their enthusiasm and willingness for us to succeed has been inspiring. The gallery was a passion for all of us and we would not have been able to do this without everyone’s hard work which I thank them for.
Our Farewell
We are sadly closing the gallery with our last day being Friday June 30. It has been a fun and really interesting three years, meeting such fantastic artists and having the privilege of selling their work in such an amazing and historic space.
We intend to have a little party, a last shindig – farewell but we will see you again sort of event. Just a celebration of three amazing years.
Date: Friday June 30
Time: from 5pm until around 8pm.
We are planning a little music and there will discounts on art works in the gallery.
Join us for our last hurrah.
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Jason Dorey .
So sad to see this gallery close!