THG Open winners to showcase stunning new work in upcoming exhibition
The prize winners of Thelma Hulbert Gallery's (THG) Open exhibition will feature in a new exhibition at the award-winning gallery.
The winners of THG's biennial open exhibition in 2023 have been invited back to the Honiton-based gallery to exhibit new bodies of work: 'Sharon James #artistmother' and 'Kyle Baker'.
Sharon James #artistmother
This exhibition features large, strongly figurative paintings presenting vibrant scenes of domestic family life. They are broadly relatable to many people’s experiences but offer more than a window on the world. They are intimate moments, inviting the viewer to become part of it, as if we are one of the family.
Each painting is often an accurate reflection of a keenly observed moment. They focus on the bits of life that so easily get covered over offering an intensely personal vision with echoes of family, motherhood and heritage.
Sharon James has an MA in Printmaking. After a successful career as a lecturer in Art and Design and then a gallery owner, she is now a full time artist. Her work focuses on painting and drawing using many mediums including digital tools.
Sharon commented, "I have been exploring and enjoying the immediacy of painting and drawing, versus the more labour intensive printmaking. My practice has evolved since the arrival of my children. Studio time can vary from 2 hours to 20 hours a week as the mental transition from mum to artist can be problematic.
"I explore all aspects of my identity through the work as a black gay woman, a mother, my heritage and current affairs, which have become increasingly important to me since becoming a mother. I'm aware of the legacy I’ll leave my children to help them understand their place in the world."
Kyle Baker
Alongside Sharon James #artistmother, in the lower gallery, is a display of work by winner of the Best Emerging Artist prize - Kyle Baker.
Kyle is an East Devon-based photographer and film maker who set up his business in 2016 with the help of the Princes Trust. Kyle specialises in seascapes alongside his range of landscapes and nightscapes.
Kyle commented, "We are blessed with the beauty that surrounds us in East Devon, from countryside to beautiful beaches. I try and look for a different angle, one that people don’t usually get to see. I have a love of spending time in or on the sea, being a surfer and lifeboat crew member at Sidmouth, a lot of my work reflects my passion for that.
"I keep my work as natural as possible, spending many late nights and early mornings trying to achieve the right conditions."
The THG Open is a biennial exhibition with entry available to artists living in the South West. For details of the next THG Open in 2025, please subscribe to the THG newsletter.
Gemma Girvan, THG Curator, commented: "We are delighted to welcome back the winners of the THG OPEN.
"What I love about Sharon James' work is its vibrancy, with such attention to detail. Its immediacy helps us relate to her as both an artist and mother, sharing her life through her artworks. It feels like she’s making us part of her story and this is such a privilege.
"Kyle Baker’s photography is mesmerising. He has a keen eye for detail, capturing iconic local views so beautifully. They almost look like paintings."
THG Open Winners' Exhibitions
25 May - 6 July
Sharon James #artistmother
Kyle Baker
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
Coordinating events:
Artist Talk with Sharon James: Saturday 25 May, 3-5pm
Exhibition opening: Saturday 8 June, 2pm. £5.
Still Life in Oils Workshops: 1, 8, 15, 22 June, 11am - 1pm. Series of four: £120 / £110 THG Friends, free for 15-25 years.
