All the contributors and finalists from On the Brink, Extinction, and Sketch for Survival 2024 were invited to a private view in Gallery@oxo. This allowed us to view all the pieces in real life and connect with the other amazing artists behind them! And I was part of it.
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When we arrived around 6.30 pm the gallery was already filled with a few people. I was very nervous about that evening as this was my first time attending such an event. But, Robert welcomed us immediately and so sincere which created a friendly and calming atmosphere right from the beginningand. We grabbed ourselves some drinks as dived right into the pieces.
The Sketch for Survival pieces started with the “Juniors” – it is fairly hard to remember how my pieces were at the age of 8 or 15 but I was blown away by them! The different techniques and the understanding of light and shadow were above my expectations. We were very happy to see some of the young artists there, accompanied by their proud parents. Also the hosts took their time to speak to and support them which was lovely to see.
After the selected juniors it was time for the other “sketches” for survival. And honestly… as the junior artworks – these are no sketches at all. Lots of thought, time, work, frustration, and joy created every single piece visible in this exhibition. Techniques and media varied a lot and especially unknown species and unusual techniques caught my attention. The last pieces of the exhibition were created by selected wildlife conservation artists throughout the EAE-Supporters-List with a range from abstract to hyperrealistic paintings – each of them unique and special in their own way. These are some cherries on top and who would not like to have such an original hanging in their apartment?!
Throughout the evening, we exchanged with a bunch of artists as like the room was filled with them. We had a lovely chat with Holly Emerson, learned new techniques (and why exhibitions should also have a dark-room-switch) from Wyland Tondelier, and how wildlife art might win against against portraits from Claire Hughes. Just to name a few.
All pieces can be found here! The auction is open until the 17th of November 2024.
I made incredible and valuable new connections that evening. I can only thank ExplorersAgainstExtinction for organizing such an event and the competition in general!
And I will be back next year! At least I try to 🙂
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