In a Somerset exhibition, 17 artists tap into experiences of empathy and isolation through drawing

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What do you want to know: On view until July 22, 2023, gallery Close Ltd. in Somerset presents the major collective exhibition “lines of empathy.” Featuring a selection of hand-drawn works on paper by 17 artists working in Britain, the exhibition was brought together by London-based Italian artist Giulia Ricci and grew out of Ricci’s (and the world’s) experiences during pandemic closures. The exhibition includes works by Fay Ballard, Duncan Bullen, Lucinda Burgess, Helen Cass, Rachel Duckhouse, Mary Griffith, Simon Hitchens, Louise Hopkins, Carali McCall, Onya McCausland, Anna Mossman, David Murphy, Peter Peri, Kathy Prendergast, Wendy Smith, Kate Terry and Ricci herself.

A publication of the same name, lines of empathy, accompanies the exhibition by offering reproductions of the works presented in the exhibition as well as a series of texts. The ‘Lines of Empathy’ exhibition opened at Patrick Heide Contemporary Art in London earlier this year before heading to Close Ltd. In conjunction with the accompanying book, the exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about the unique practice of each artist represented, both by viewing their work in person as well as reading their inspirations through interviews and conversations conducted by Ricci reproduced in the publication.

Why we love it: Drawing on paper has a sense of immediacy and directness not commonly found in other mediums. The artist’s hand is inextricably linked to the work, indexed by each mark made. Inspired by the pandemic and ideas around collective experience, an investigation into the drawings of regional artists presents a poignant and compelling exploration not only of individual practices, but also of the collaborative effort to bring these works and artists together. during a period of separation.

The inclusion of Simon Hitchensincluding Close Ltd. recently announced the performance (see viewing room here). Prior to his inclusion in “Lines of Empathy”, he was the subject of a eponymous personal exhibition at the gallery, showcasing a range of sculptures and drawings. Hitchens, known for his meticulous line drawings and practice of psychological investigation, described his work as “[exploring] the interconnectedness between human and non-human, as a means of learning about humanity’s relationship to impermanence. He also has an upcoming exhibition at the Somerset Rural Life Museum.

Simon Hitchens. Courtesy of Close Ltd., Somerset.

According to the Gallery: “The title “Lines of Empathy” is a synthesis of the main themes of the project: on the one hand, the exploration of the process of creating brands while drawing by hand on paper, on the other hand, empathy like the act of reaching out to someone else. experience. The guest artists were invited to talk in detail about their chosen work on paper, with questions related to their choice of paper, supports and processes used as well as their relationship to the body and the senses; they also offered their thoughts on the impact the pandemic has had on their individual practices. The interview project was informed by an interest in mirror neurons and empathy; the artworks were seen as “vehicles” for experiences that viewers might feel a connection to.

“Lines of Empathy” was also a personal journey for artist Giulia Ricci at a time of great collective uncertainty. Inspired by Carla Lonzi Authority, originally published in Italy in 1969 and recently translated into English, the book and exhibition are ultimately forms of self-portraiture through recognition of the practices of other artists who influenced Ricci on her journey as an immigrant from Italy to UK for two decades. .”

See the featured works from the exhibition below.