Art Articles

because the night belongs to us how did we get here | The Box Plymouth
Art - Jun 2022

because the night belongs to us: How did we get here?

Our large-scale summer exhibition, 'because the night belongs to us' recently opened across four galleries. But how did it get here? Co-curators Adam Milford, Senior Engagement and Learning Officer and Tony Davey, Engagement Officer reflect on the steps taken over many years to bring this project to life.

George Shaw: The Local - From Coventry to the world
Art - Jun 2022

George Shaw: The Local - From Coventry to the world

'George Shaw: The Local' has just opened at The Box. This major exhibition by the Dartmoor-based artist who was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2011, features existing and new works and is divided into three sections. The first section takes you through a series of scenes from the Tile Hill area of Coventry where he grew up - but they'll probably look very familiar to anyone who lives in a city.

Labelled by Dail Behennah | The Box Plymouth
Art - May 2022

Labelled by Dail Behennah

In response to the ‘Breaking the Mould: Sculpture by Women since 1945’ exhibition, we’re highlighting some of the female artists and sculptors in The Box’s collections. ‘Labelled’ by Dail Behennah was a beautiful installation inspired by our natural history collections that was displayed on the former Museum and Art Gallery’s half landing from February 2009 until March 2010.

Maps by Maurizio Anzeri | The Box Plymouth
Art - May 2022

Maps by Maurizio Anzeri

Works by Italian artist, Maurizio Anzeri can currently be seen in a range of locations throughout The Box. They give a brilliant insight into the variety of media Anzeri works with; from sculpture and drawing to embroidery and traditional craft techniques. These five maps of the world can be viewed in the Active Archives gallery and also encompass a range of materials and techniques. Read on to find out more.

91 Chyzanthemumz 4 Imsook by Zadie Xa | The Box
Art - May 2022

91 Chyzanthemumz 4 Imsook by Zadie Xa

People are often inspired by their mums, and artist Zadie Xa is no different. Read on to learn more about a beautiful, colourful cape that we have in our collections. It was created by Xa in 2018 and has a really personal story behind it.

Plymouth Porcelain: A New Collection by Clare Twomey
Art - Apr 2022

Plymouth Porcelain: A New Collection by Clare Twomey

Inspired by the 'Breaking the Mould: Sculpture by Women since 1945' exhibition, we're shining a light on some of the female sculptors and artists in The Box's collections. ‘Plymouth Porcelain: A New Collection’ was originally unveiled on the former Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery’s balcony in 2012 and was created by leading ceramic artist, Clare Twomey.

Mrs Hamar by Sir Joshua Reynolds | The Box Plymouth
Art - Apr 2022

Mrs Hamar by Sir Joshua Reynolds

Like the enigmatic smile on this young woman’s face, there is more to this portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds than meets the eye. You can currently see it on display in our 'Dress Code - Fashion Stories from The Box' exhibition (until 4 September).

Little Black Dress by Maurizio Anzeri
Art - Apr 2022

Little Black Dress by Maurizio Anzeri

Over the next few months we're thrilled to be displaying a range of works by London-based Italian artist, Maurizio Anzeri. They're located in a range of spaces across The Box and this is one of the standout pieces. Discover more about it here.

Xixho by Zadie Xa | The Box Plymouth
Art - Apr 2022

Xixho by Zadie Xa

Our 2022 exhibition by artist Zadie Xa used historic items from our world cultures collection as a starting point for new work. We first became aware of Zadie's work in 2018 and were lucky enough to acquire two pieces by her for The Box's permanent collections. Read on to discover more about this one.

Unpacking the themes in ‘Breaking the Mould’ | The Box Plymouth
Art - Mar 2022

Unpacking the themes in ‘Breaking the Mould’

‘Breaking the Mould: Sculpture by Women since 1945’ has just opened and will be on display in St Luke’s at The Box and The Levinsky Gallery at the University of Plymouth until 5 June. The exhibition is divided into three themes, and you can discover more about them here.

The Box’s 2022 Maureen Attrill Bursary awarded to volunteer | The Box Plymouth
Art - Feb 2022

The Box’s 2022 Maureen Attrill Bursary awarded to volunteer

A volunteer has secured a special research bursary awarded by The Box each year in memory of a former long-serving curator.

Songlines: Kungkarrangkalnga-ya Parrpakanu (Seven Sisters Are Flying)
Art - Feb 2022

Songlines: Kungkarrangkalnga-ya Parrpakanu sculpture

In St Lukes Gallery, the sisters are brought to life in a huge artwork that’s suspended from the ceiling. This has been a really popular installation with our visitors and the story of its creation is a fascinating insight into traditional sculpture making in the NPY Lands.