‘Xtensions Part 1’ is a special solo exhibition awarded to David Jones, one of six award winners of Outside In 2009, an Open Art Competition and the main vehicle for the project, set up to bring work by marginalised and outsider artists to a wider public. As well as his own exhibition, David was also given an artist residency at Pallant House Gallery where he could come and work on pieces for the exhibition.
Speaking of David’s artistic journey, Marc Steene, Head of Learning and Community at Pallant House Gallery said ‘During the time since the 2009 exhibition, David has been coming to the Gallery regularly to paint and has become a popular and energetic member of the Gallery's growing community.’ As a result of David’s hard work, the exhibition will showcase an array of accomplished pieces including surrealist works such as ‘Love Leaks Out’ and the Japanese inspired ‘Madame Butterfly’, and as Marc comments ‘the exhibition is
full of personal reference and often draws from and refers to other artists’ work; his is a unique voice from an individual with an interesting and important story to tell.'
Although David has always been interested in art, it was only when he was in prison for a year, following years of drug addiction that he picked up art again through the prison art group. Unable to sleep at night, he spent hours drawing and painting which he says was a ‘therapeutic tool’ for him. After leaving prison, David then went on to sell The Big Issue, which he has now been selling for ten years and got involved in Creative Futures, a Brighton-based project that develops and promotes marginalised artists. It was Creative Futures who entered David’s deeply moving work entitled ‘In Awe’ into the Outside In exhibition, and visitors can see a similar piece inspired by this award winning painting in the forthcoming exhibition.
When asked how he felt about having his own exhibition at Pallant House Gallery, David said ‘It feels amazing. I’m absolutely thrilled but also a little scared!’ and said ‘when I tell people I’m involved with Pallant House Gallery you can tell they’re envious. A combination of the space, the staff and the vibrations of the gallery, provides a really positive environment for marginalised artists to work in’ David wants to continue to stay in touch with Outside In which he says has given him the confidence to be more ambitious in his goals. He is now working towards his BTEC diploma in Fine Art, and hopes to continue to grow as a professional artist.
Visitors won’t want to miss this intriguing, colourful and personal collection of art and with all works for sale, visitors can take home their own ‘xtension’ of David’s exhibition.
Xtensions Part 1 is free to the public and runs from 30 August – 2 October 2011
Outside In 2012 is now open for submissions. For more information visit www.outsidein.org.uk
*Please note the studio at Pallant House Gallery is sometimes closed for workshops. Visitors are advised to phone in advance to guarantee entry.
For more information about Pallant House Gallery, visiting, and admission prices visit www.pallant.org.uk
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