Cartwright Hall Art Gallery

Eye of the Beholder: Taking Inspiration – a reflection

December 7, 2015

The Eye of the Beholder: Concept of Interpretation project is now complete and Nilesh Mistry (Curator International & Decorative Art) reflects on the successes and the opportunities of this year long programme at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery.

He writes:

Using Bradford Museum’s International Art collection and early Hockney works enabled the curation of four exhibitions (one at Bradford Cathedral).

Tess Connor Trainee Curator, preparing an object for exhibition at the Cathedral
Tess Connor, Trainee Curator, preparing an object for display at the Cathedral

It also provided inspiration for Bradford and national artists to create four new commissioned artworks, two poems, two stories, six Raajas (Indian musical melodies) and an Indian classical dance and music performance.

Kala Sangam performing for the exhibition Launch
Kala Sangam performing for the exhibition Launch

Arts Council England project funding also provided a wonderful opportunity to coordinate a creative year long programme of events and activities delivered by Bradford artists and practitioners appealing to a broad visitor from art enthusiasts to family groups.

family workshop
Family workshop linked to the Exhibition

The project has enabled Cartwright Hall Art Gallery to gain a better understanding of our visitor’s impression of the Bradford collections and the permanent displays.

Exhibition interactives
Exhibition interactives

The new artworks are now part of the Bradford collection with the potential for inclusion in the Connect permanent displays and anticipated plans for a significant display of David Hockney’s earlier artworks.

You can also explore our Youtube videos linked to the project,  We’ve linked to the playlist below:-

We would like to thank all our staff and visitors for taking part and contributing to the consultation process and look forward to welcoming you to future exhibition launches and events.

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