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A comeback exhibition is hoped to draw in socially distanced crowds as Linden Hall Studio reopens its doors today.
The majority of works now on show at the Deal gallery have been created during the lockdown period.
The show titled 'The Great Art Escape' demonstrates how artists from across the spectrum of visual art have responded to their time in isolation.
Renowned painter Arthur Neal presents ‘Dan Playing Violin’. Like so many families, Dan returned home and Arthur painted him playing.
There's also two painted creations by John Corley showing the change in seasons witnessed from his garden studio while 'locked in' at home.
A corten steel sculpture called INSIDE LOCK which was made completely in studio during the period is unmissable due to its sheer size.
Gallery director Myles Corley said: "It would be untrue, unwise and irresponsible to press onward without acknowledging the gargantuan change in the world and life as we know it. To pull up the locks, swing open the doors and simply say – ‘we’re back’ would be to ignore so much, and so much has happened.
"The days of packed out exhibition launches, sold out screenings. shaking hands and cheersing’ a glass at another inspired collection are unfortunately retired, for now.
"So, what brave new world lies before us, certainly one of challenges and obstructions.
"Over the last few weeks and months the gallery team and I have ruminated hard over how best we can tip toe back into the world and in what form that would take.
"We were overwhelmed with the response to our Reflection Series, and then building the weekly Lockdown Series was very moving – artists and creatives in their home studios, spare bedrooms and kitchen tables were making and sharing with an inspiration and passion that pushed back hard and fast against the stifling blanket of isolation which lay and lays upon us.
"I suppose this made us as a gallery, a window into the escapism world of colour, texture, form and shape, realise how important we are in rationalising and coping with the world around us.
"That, is what our comeback message is. Things are different now, there is no denying it and who knows when friends and colleagues will embrace and break bread together again.
"However what we can do in our own unique way is offer a few moments solace, an escape from uncertainty and confusion with an exhibition of exciting, engaging, thought provoking visual language and present, The Great Art Escape.”
Other exhibitors are Susan Absolon, Olivia Bax, Dominic Beattie, Jennifer Durrant RA, Daisy Cook, Alan Gouk, Clyde Hopkins, Albert Irvin RA, Jeff Lowe, Robert Persey, William Plumptre, Cherry Tewfik and William Tillyer.
It runs until Sunday, August 9.
