With blockbuster shows by globally renowned artists like Ai Weiwei, Yves Klein and gold lavatory creator Maurizio Cattelan pulling in the crowds, Blenheim Palace has firmly established itself on the artistic map.
But as the Woodstock stately home prepares for its next groundbreaking annual spectacular, this time by Tino Sehgal, art lovers are being invited to admire stunning work by a clutch of artists from closer to home.
Woodstock’s Zuleika Gallery is presenting a new programme of exhibitions for the palace Stable Yard’s new Gardens Gallery Café. And while the names may not be as familiar as the big guns in the palace, they are equally appealing, with strong local links to the landscape. Their pastoral scenes of nature, parkland and the open countryside chime with our shared experience of reconnecting to the natural world and outdoor spaces over the past year.
Celebrating the re-opening of the palace after months of lockdown, the Expressions of Nature exhibition jointly showcases the work of regional emerging and established contemporary artists Rachel Gracey, Rod Craig, Rosannagh Scarlet Esson and Peter Care, whose work is inspired by landscapes and the natural environment – including those of the surrounding hills, woods, lakes and valleys.
The show, which runs till September, is curated by Zuleika Gallery founder and director Lizzie Collins and senior director Hannah Payne, and comes as Zuleika launches its own show, Brave New World, at its gallery in Park Street, featuring artist Stuart Hartley.
The works presented are all for sale through Zuleika Gallery, which is a member of the Own Art Scheme – a government funded payment scheme which makes buying art accessible through interest-free instalments. Zuleika’s Hannah says: “It’s wonderful to celebrate and support artistic talent living and working in the county, and also to promote wellbeing through the enjoyment of art and creativity. As we emerge out of lockdown, this inaugural exhibition reminds us of the value of connecting to nature and its ability to lift the spirits when we need it most. With our gallery located close by in Woodstock and our connections to the Oxfordshire arts community, we’re delighted to curate exhibitions in the beautiful new Gardens Gallery Café at Blenheim Palace”.
