Gillian Ayres: An introduction to infinity
Artist Gillian Ayres once said: ‘Painting is a visual thing, and that’s it. People like to understand, and I wish they wouldn’t! I wish they’d just look’. Over the course of 70 years, she explored many styles and techniques, but she never wavered from her pursuit of painting. Discover more about this enduring commitment as we celebrate her career and legacy with our ‘A Life in Colour’ exhibition.
Gillian Ayres: Feasting on beauty
Gillian Ayres (1930-2018) once said: ‘To me, art – colour in art – is wonderfully indulging. I don’t see why you shouldn’t be filling yourself up, making yourself happy. Enjoying yourself. Feasting on beauty. I want an art that’s going to make me feel heady, in a high-flown way.’ Presented across three galleries, ‘A Life in Colour’ is a timely exploration of her phenomenal legacy through paintings made over the course of seven decades – highlighting the power of painting as a means of nonverbal expression. Here’s an insight into five of the works in the show.
125 years of art, diplomacy and identity: Why the Government Art Collection matters
For 125 years, the Government Art Collection has quietly played a remarkable role in representing Britain to the world. This summer, visitors to ‘Echoes of Us’ at The Box have a rare opportunity to see works from this extraordinary national collection outside their usual diplomatic settings.
A Summer for Everyone: Explore The Box Plymouth and more!
As Plymouth comes into its own in the warmer months, there’s no better time to get out and explore. Whether you’re planning family days out, looking to dive into local history, or seeking creative inspiration, The Box Plymouth and its historic sites offer something for every kind of visitor this summer
Collections Insight: A new display in North Hall
A new display featuring four paintings from The Box’s art collection has just gone on display in our North Hall gallery. The paintings provide a glimpse into the breadth and depth of the collection and are also giving us an opportunity to share the stories behind them and some new research. Discover more about them here.
Journeys with Mai: Contemporary Artists Reframing Mai’s Story
Explore how contemporary artists Lisa Reihana, Mohini Chandra, Hinatea Colombani and Moeava Meder reinterpret Mai’s story, challenging colonial imagery and restoring Pacific Islander voices in ‘Journeys with Mai’.
Journeys with Mai: British Visions and Pacific Voices through 18th Century Art
What did the first meetings between South Pacific Islands people and British voyagers really look like? The artists in the North Gallery of ‘Journeys with Mai’ reveal contrasting viewpoints – from European attempts to document the ‘unknown’ to a Polynesian artist who recorded these encounters from within their own culture.
Collection Insight: ‘Primus II’ by Bisila Noha
This beautiful work is a recent addition to the art collection at The Box. It’s called ‘Primus II’ and is the work of Bisila Noha. It was purchased from Thrown by the Contemporary Art Society and then presented to The Box.
Collection Insight: Execution of a Traitor
Millions of people across the UK have been glued to ‘The Celebrity Traitors’ over the last few weeks. The first episode alone has been watched by over 12 million. The series has captivated audiences with its mix of plotting, backstabbing, trust and contestants and culminates on 6 November. Who will be victorious? Will those who are Faithful successfully banish all the Traitors in time?
Collection Insight: ‘Energy Locator’ by Anne Hardy
We are delighted that ‘Energy Locator’ by Anne Hardy has been purchased from Maureen Paley, a well-established art gallery, by Jill Hackel and Andrzej Zarzycki who have gifted the work to the Contemporary Art Society to present to The Box.