Searching For Balance

Searching For Balance is a group show at our 71a gallery, Shoreditch, featuring work by painter Jamie Morrison, photographer Sergej Vutuc and illustrator Russell Longmire.

The artists have distinct aesthetics – Jamie produces pastel-coloured folk art paintings with a spaghetti western twist, Sergej creates layered black-and-white photographs with ethereal ghost-like skater subjects and Russ renders outcasts in humorous pop art line drawings – but they are all united by skateboarding, and a certain DIY perspective on life.

We caught up with Jamie to find out more.

How did the Searching for Balance show come about?
I was starting to accumulate paintings that I was making, I wanted them to have more of a purpose so I decided to try and arrange an exhibition. I didn’t want it to be a solo show and really liked the idea of involving artists working in different mediums. I have been talking with Russell about doing something together for a long time. Once he was on board we then contacted Sergej (thanks to Boner King Bones) and have an opening at 71a gallery just around the corner.

What is the story of the exhibition? Is there a narrative tying all the artists together?
The basic premise of the title is finding a balance between creative outlets and obligations. A search for perspective. Sharing a similar perspective on life is an underlying factor.

What were the challenges in bringing the exhibition to life?
Creating the work was a challenge, I don’t feel very accomplished or skilled as a painter, I just enjoy doing it. Getting each piece to a level where I’m happy to show other people is a battle. All the other bits surrounding the show are pretty easy going.

What message do you hope the exhibition leaves behind?
That art is accessible and you don’t have to be a virtuoso to create it.

Do you plan to take the show on the road? Do you have another exhibition in the pipeline?
Yes, that was the initial plan. This first show is only up for a day and a night. Our plan is to try and arrange a short tour of one night only art shows under the same title later in the year.

Searching For Balance opens at our 71a Gallery in Shoreditch, Thursday July 24, 6-9pm. Register for a free ticket.