Rebirth: A 99 Projects Exhibition Curated by Lee Sharrock

Rebirth: A 99 Projects Exhibition Curated by Lee Sharrock
4 MARCH – 27 MARCH 2022
99 Chamberlayne Road
Kensal Rise,
London,
NW10 3ND

Featured artists; Aaron Bevan Bailey, Ann-Marie James, Bruce French, Eva Yates, Josephine Zentner, Katrina Russell Adams, Kay Gasei, Kristjana S Williams, Lauren Baker, LUAP, Misia-O’, Poppy Lennox, Redbellboy, Remi Rough, Sarah Emily Porter, Simon McCheung, Trish Wylie, Yurim Gough

Curator and writer Lee Sharrock has teamed up with Frances Casey, director of new West London Gallery 99 Projects on ‘Rebirth’. This group exhibition features some of the UK’s most exciting upcoming contemporary artists, juxtaposed with more established artists to provoke a visual dialogue with the theme of Rebirth.

Over two years have passed since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, during which time we were confined to our homes due to lockdowns, prompting a reevaluation of the things that really matter, and a rediscovery and renewed appreciation of the healing power of nature during our daily walks or time spent in the garden.

As the days grow longer, sunlight and the gradual emergence of snowdrops promise the imminent arrival of spring, and with spring comes hope for an end to the pandemic, which makes the theme of ‘Rebirth’ seem like an appropriate one for the exhibition at 99 Projects.

The artworks in this exhibition are a reflection of either; a creative rebirth; a renaissance in creative output born from a period of hibernation and introspection; a spiritual rebirth; a sexual rebirth; recovery from an illness; a rebirth of studying, reading and learning; a period of new life, growth or activity; a cognitive or psychological rebirth; or a reinforced appreciation of natural beauty and the life cycle of fauna and flora.

Curator Lee Sharrock says: “Rebirth: The process of being reincarnated or born again. The endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The word Rebirth can have different meanings and different interpretations for different people. It could be a physical, creative, spiritual or personal reawakening. After two years of lockdowns and the pain and tragedy so many people around the world experienced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, I wanted to curate a joyful exhibition featuring artworks that make the heart sing and give hope for brighter days ahead. A rebirth after the darkness of winter and the dark days of the pandemic. Now more than ever we appreciate the beauty of nature, the sound of birdsong, the emergence of blossom on a tree, or the rejuvenating power of a walk in the woods.

99 Projects Director Frances Casey says: “I’m excited to introduce some of the most exciting emerging and more established contemporary artists working in the UK today, with the ‘Rebirth’ group show at 99 projects in Kensal Rise. A mixture of paintings, sculpture, prints and ceramics united by the theme of ‘Rebirth’, promises to provide an uplifting escape from the harsh reality of the past couple of years, and a hope for brighter days ahead.”

A percentage of proceeds from any sales during the exhibition will be donated to Choose Love and Macmillan Cancer. There are personal reasons behind this choice of charities: 99 Projects founder Frances Casey received a cancer diagnosis during lockdown, and is making a full recovery, while featured artist Yurim Gough documented her cancer journey and recovery after being diagnosed with breast cancer, with a series of self-portraits featured in her ceramic art.

Curator Lee Sharrock was on the committee of Macmillan Cancer charity art auctions for several years, and has chosen Choose Love because they strive to help people who are fleeing war, climate emergencies, famine or persecution and trying to reach a safer destination where they and their families can have a better life.  After all, we all deserve the chance of Rebirth.

©2022 99 Projects, Lee Sharrock