Sapphire Blue Collective's Art Exhibition Opens in Exeter Next Week

Published: 11 July 2023

A visually striking and thought-provoking art exhibition comes to the heart of Exeter next week.

‘Radiance, Rubrics and Rituals: So We Are Held’ is the latest exhibition by the Devon and Cornwall based artist collective The Sapphire Blue Collective.

The exhibition opens at the City Council-supported Maketank, at 3-5 Paris Street, Exeter, on Monday 17 July and runs until Saturday 29 July.

This show features work by ten contemporary artists, each having a unique perspective and distinctive style across a range of disciplines including ceramics, painting, weaving, photography, collage, fine print, drawing, object making and installation.

The show’s title references the various strategies and approaches to art making that are employed by the artists and also draws inspiration from the group’s manifesto which emphasises kindness, kinship and resilience.

The collective was established during Covid when a group of artists developed a close-bonded network fostering creative exploration and pushing towards academic excellence during postgraduate studies at Arts University Plymouth. The Collective has become an intimate but dynamic community that fuels the personal growth of its members and celebrates the value of mutual support.

It is a visually striking and thought-provoking exhibition inviting viewers to explore the boundaries and transformative powers of contemporary art. Maketank, known for its dedication to promoting community engagement and cultural dialogues is the ideal space to host this important event in Exeter’s creative calendar.

The exhibition will be open daily from 10am to 4pm, Thursdays 10am to 6pm. Closed Wednesdays. Meet the artists on Friday 21 July, from 5pm until 8pm.

Participating artists are Poppy Goldsmith, Hannah Holford, Leah Jordan, Christina (Tina) Kutter, Janie M McDonald, Polly Plouviez, Tim Ridley, Alice Simpson, Marion Smylie and Kate Williams.