This weekend Ipswich Town Hall plays host to an exhibition of new works by amateur and professional artists with links to Suffolk. Sponsored by MLM consultancy, From The Studio Floor follows on from the original Bermondsey show of the same title that took place in May. For the Suffolk edition of the show each artist has displayed a single exhibit to demonstrate their typical work and any current projects they’re undertaking. These contemporary works, in a range of media, are strikingly juxtaposed with the traditional art adorning the walls of Ipswich’s iconic town hall. The end result is a unique smorgasbord of creativity.
Exhibition highlights include installation work by Lloyd Evans and Mark Aaron, whose mesmerising light and sound collaborations grace the walls of the café and staircase to the gallery. Machin by Spadge Hopkins also attracts visitors, who are allowed to touch this seemingly dysfunctional set of mechanical components to make them rotate on bearings. Yet the real stars of the show are the numerous paintings glowing under the spotlights. Paintings like the beautifully depicted night sky by Mark Batty, or the stunning seascapes by George Sarson and Jessica Oliver. The portraits in the exhibition are also of a high standard, especially Leigh Hammett’s version of Sassoferrato’s Virgin Mary. Equally as arresting is Ania Hobson’s Thom - one of a series of eight life-size portraits that are due to be shown in London next year. She masterfully captures the emotion of the sitter in his chequered suit, unconventionally viewed from his feet upwards. Janice Williams’ Joey and Edna is another honest and sensitive portrait, expressing the interaction between an elderly lady and her pet bird.
With its broad range of styles and subject
matter there is something for everyone in this free exhibition. What’s more,
the central location makes it an ideal place to stop for passing shoppers and
those on their lunch break.
