HATCH, located Little Clarendon street in Jericho, currently holds ‘somnium mundi’ – the work of Oliver Wortley, an artist and individual who was, and still is, able to translate the way he experienced his emotional and physical journeys on earth into tangible pieces of art.
The opening night was a gathering of art-students, family, close and distant and still-to-be-made friends and acquaintances. Some, like myself, complete strangers to the artist whose work lined the walls and filled the room. Others with connections so strong and so very beautifully sincere that the room, studio, was filled with such a strange, collective energy of togetherness.
On a very personal level, I felt a clutch in my heart as I understood and altogether couldn’t understand what I was taking in. The world around me is sad, simply sweet, overwhelmingly dark, and so often overwhelmingly beautiful in ways we’re not always taught or brought up to see. Oli’s art reminded me of those things, and much more.
Sketches, polaroids, pinhole photography, video – but also just as much art, are the people who put together and supported this. As those closest to Oliver expressed in their words on the opening night, the influence of such a person, leaves ripples and connections and friendships – the presence of this exhibition and the collective support that went into its creation is a true being in itself, a tangible experience.
If you’re in Oxford, until this Sunday, you have the opportunity to wander around the studio, donate to the Mind charity, and feel appreciative to have gotten to know somebody who clearly made a huge impression on friends, family, and the creative community.
When: until Sunday 17th May, every day 10:00 – 18:00
Where: HATCH, 37-38 Little Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX1 2HS
The exhibition is free, prints are available to order and all donations go towards the mental health charity Mind.
A Vegan Adventurer 