I decided to put some work into an Open Call in Leicester known as LOVE Art, it is run primarily by Phil Hackett with a team of curators and artists who examine curate and display the work, as well as democratically decide which piece is assigned one of the 12 awards given at the end of the exhibition.
I chose to put 3 pieces forward and payed the subsequent entry fee, this was stressful since I have never submitted work before and I had to use some older paintings as newer ones were still in development. I did not feel that confident but I was glad that I submitted something and made the effort to try.
A week or so later I heard very last minute from a friend that I had been selected (emails had been going to spam folder of course) and I needed to bring the work wrapped so that it could be stored by the end of the next day. Again this was stressful and unforeseen but fortunately I was able to wrap and get the work to LCB Depot in time.
Eventually the show opened up and I went to see it with some other students some who had submitted some who had not, we went around all of the venues LCB Depot, Orton’s Brasserie, The Curve etc. Manhattan 34 was sadly closed for a private event. We saw everyone’s work including my own that had ended up in 3 different places, the arrangement in most cases was brilliant however the lighting in The Curve was less than ideal.
I ended up having a conversation with a man about my work at Orton’s Brasserie, my piece was on display with another and was right next to his table where he was dining. He asked me a few questions about the context and motivation and what I was doing, he then wished me luck after his friend invited me for dinner, I assume as a joke! They were all very complementary and grateful to have spoken with me and the feeling was mutual.
I saw the exhibition a number of times again with other friends who had work as well as with my parents. Eventually it came to closing night which coincided with the Last Friday event in the Cultural Quarter (where galleries are open later to the public than usual), LCB has its own version with street food and music. I attended with a number of my friends and classmates and it was a really good turnout, we spoke to each other about winning and a few of us decided we didn’t want to so we didn’t have to face the spotlight.
In the end I did win an award, for which I am grateful even though in the moment I was overwhelmed, for my piece Toxicity. It was my favourite of the three I put in so I am glad it won but in the presence of so much other great work it felt like the award belonged to others more than me and I felt bad that they were not acknowledged. In truth a few other students at DMU also won awards.
On reflection I can appreciate the honour of being acknowledged for the effort I put in even though it was older work I still did the work, which at the time was difficult and a great achievement. I am also grateful for everyone’s kind words to me even when I felt undeserving, I appreciate the support and want to carry this sense of community appreciation and support forward with me.
I plan to apply for more open calls as well as maintain contact with LCB in order to be involved in future events. I am also looking forward to some other projects and exhibitions I have that are on-going.
Above are my 3 pieces, Toxicity which was shown at LCB Depot, Wanderer which was shown at Orton’s Brasserie and Perspective which was on display at The Curve.
Below are pictures of some of the artwork of my classmates and artists from around Leicester and beyond.
This is a screenshot of the prize winners page and a link below.
