An art exhibition, conceived before the Covid pandemic, but given a new meaning after it, has opened up in the west of the island.

Members of the Creative Network unveiled the ’Boundaries’ exhibition at the House of Manannan, in Peel.

Featuring 45 pieces of work, created by 27 contemporary artists working in the island, the exhibition features pieces of work created around the concept of boundaries.

Well-known local artists, such as Eve Adams, Graham Hall, Ian Pilbeam, Vici Blackburn, Myra Gilbert, Olivia Savage, Bruno Cavellec, Beth Louella and many more all contributed to the show, which was curated by Helen Fox, Ian Coulson and Professor Keith McIntyre, who worked remotely from his home on the island of Uist in the Outer Hebrides.

The exhibition was originally created in the months before the Covid pandemic and the original intention was to give the artists the impetus to make work based around the various boundaries, both physical, material and mental that exist for artists based in the island.

’Originally, prior to Covid, the idea behind "Boundaries", was to create around the thoughts of what boundaries there are for artists over here, such as living in a small island, cut off from the wider art world, or with funding issues, or working with small groups, that kind of thing,’ said Carola Rush, from the Creative Network.

’Also the things that can constrain artists, such a the boundaries of a canvas or the cost of living. How any of these things can affect or influence they way people work or think.

’However, very soon, we were offered a very different interpretation of the term "boundaries".

’Since 2020, the lockdown has offered us many other definitions of the term, including a greater awareness of other people as well as things like distancing loneliness, isolation and so on.

’The project has also provided a focus for freeing thought whilst constrained and confined within our island boundary. The results are incredibly varied, ranging from seascapes through to some very heavy and serious conceptual work.’

The ’Boundaries’ exhibition is at the House of Manannan until October 21.

A book of the art work has been published with the help of Culture Vannin and is also available to view through an online portal, hosted by the Creative Network, viewable at creativenetwork.im