Exhibiting at Anteros Arts Foundation, Norwich, May-June ’21

‘Lights, Canvas, Action II’ 25 May – 5 June 2021

My second solo art exhibition was at Anteros Arts Foundation Gallery, Norwich between 25th May to 5th June 2021. Titled ‘Lights, Canvas, Action II’, this followed my debut solo art exhibition a few months earlier, also in Norwich at The Forum. My second exhibition was originally scheduled for January 2021 but was postponed until the summer due to winter lockdown restrictions.

I also had a selection of my new 11×14” mounted prints on display for the first time, which visitors were available to buy on the spot. This was the first time I’d stocked prints at an exhibition, so it was really useful to see how well these went down, and how I could take the pop-up shop idea further in future.

It was great to get my Jackson Pollock-inspired pop art paintings and artwork on display again and show friends and many new visitors around. The likes of my Paul Weller, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Amy Winehouse paintings were all on display. Plus, new paintings such as Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Kate Moss, Twiggy and Richard Ashcroft made their exhibition debuts.

What is Anteros Arts Foundation?

Anteros Arts Foundation on Magdalen Street in Norwich is a is a charity for education and the promotion of the Arts in Norfolk. It is housed in a beautiful Grade II listed Tudor building by the river Wensum. Anteros Arts Foundation is also located just down the road from my old school, Norwich School – and I actually walked past it every day to and from school for a few years! I never thought I’d have an art exhibition in there one day.

I had almost all of my action-painted pop art portrait paintings on display at this exhibition, along with prints, postcards and my painting videos playing on a loop on A TV. I again played on the Hollywood and Walk of Fame theme with my red carpet on display by the entrance. I believe small touches like this are great for creating the right environment and mindset for visitors to my exhibitions – and to convey the quality and prestige of my brand (and hopefully convincing some visitors to purchase a print themselves!).

Hosting my first Private View evening – and drinks reception!

One of the big benefits of this summer 2021 exhibition was a slight relaxation in Covid restrictions, which meant I was able to host a Private View evening and drinks reception for the first time! This was not possible with my debut Norwich exhibition in December 2020 due to more severe Covid rules. Being located near my former school, I was also able to get several of my former teachers along to the Private View along with many Norwich friends, which was a nice touch!

While the rules didn’t quite allow guests to walk around the gallery with a glass in hand, we were at least able to gather in the courtyard outside the gallery for a drink afterwards. Anteros Arts Foundation is also joined on Norwich pub The Merchant’s House who opened up their bar to us. (Covid rules at the time meant everyone had to be seated to be able to drink, and table service only. At least there wasn’t the ‘rule of six’!)

Overall, this was another great ten days that provided plenty of exposure for By Kerwin and my paintings. It also gave me further feedback on my exhibition format and products to learn from, as well more confidence and experience in exhibiting my artwork.

Thanks to everyone who came along and bought one of my new 11×14″ mounted prints in person, or who place an online print order after visiting!

You can continue to follow my art progress on Instagram and Facebook.

My range of ‘By Kerwin’ paintings capture some of the biggest icons from the world of music and pop culture in a never-before-seen way. My full range of Jackson Pollock-inspired acrylic paintings can be viewed at www.bykerwin.com – the originals and prints of these are available to purchase, with worldwide delivery.