An art exhibition focussing on young people’s experiences of lockdown, organised by a young Colchester student, opens online this week after being forced to postpone last year due to lockdown.
Originally set to open at the Firstsite gallery in November 2020, the Lockdown Unlocked exhibition has been curated with artwork from the local and wider community, by 18-year-old Colchester student Freya Gascoyne, following a public open call for artworks created by 12–24-year-olds.
Currently in her final year of A levels at Colchester Royal Grammar school, studying Biology, Chemistry and Art, and Firstsite YAK (Young Artist Kommunity) member, organiser Freya Gascoyne says: “We know that young people are likely to be the generation impacted the most due to Covid. This exhibition gives a fascinating insight into the lived experience of young people in Colchester and beyond, during three national lockdowns, showcased through an awesome variety of artworks.”
Initially set out to be a local open call, the exhibition is now composed of over 60 artworks – ranging from poetry and painting to digital art and videography – created by 45 different young people from across the UK and even India!
Freya added “I’ve tried to make the most of the flexibility provided by a virtual space. For example, giving artists the opportunity to curate their own wall in the gallery, providing an intimate local context for their artwork within the overall exhibition space. Many of the artworks are accompanied by short voice recordings from the artists about their feelings and experiences of the pandemic.”
“I hope visitors will come away from the exhibition amazed by the talent on display, and with a deeper understanding about what young people are going through just now.”
Stuart Tulloch, Firstsite’s Head of Programme says: “We are delighted to be involved in this exhibition. Whilst it was disappointing that we could not hold a physical event, Lockdown Unlocked has been thoughtfully curated and provides a powerful and moving perspective on the Covid crisis from the viewpoint of young people.”
The exhibition has partnered with UK charity – The Mix (which provides essential mental health support for under 25’s). Using money from a Jack Petchey achievement award she won, Freya organised exhibition tote bags, with all earnings being donated to The Mix. The tote bags were designed by 19-year-old local artist, and member of the YEET (Youth Exhibition Event Team) Jack Dempsey (Insta – @smiletechnician).
Phoebe Mead, Partnerships Manager at YouthNet UK (The Mix) says: “Our whole organisation is really excited about this fantastic opportunity and we’ve also been encouraging young people to submit entries of their own.”
People can view the exhibition at https://www.artsteps.com/view/603d39cd75b9bd78b88a9469 , and take part in conversations via the @lockdown.exhibition Instagram page, on Twitter (@LockdownExhibi1) and on the Firstsite online studio space (@lockdownunlockedexhibition)
To purchase one of a limited number of branded Tote bags, and help support The Mix, people should email [email protected]
