The artistic results of a year and a half, quite like no other, have been collected and published in a new book and exhibition.

’Ellyn’ was simultaneously opened and published last weekend.

A project curated by artist Olivia Savage, through the Isle of Man Arts Council, ’Ellyn’ is a collection of work created by 66 Manx artists, working either here in the island or elsewhere in the world over the past year and a half.

The work is presented in a book, together with information on each artist and an explanation of the thought process and background of their work.

The exhibition opened on Friday evening at the Villa Marina Arcade, and has each of the works on display.

There is no theme running through the exhibition and, as such, it contains a wide variety of genres, themes, mediums and styles, from paintings and tapestries through to textiles, sculpture and carvings.

’Ellyn’, the Manx Gaelic word for ’art’, was conceived after the Covid pandemic put a halt to most artistic projects.

The work created and featured in the book and exhibition is a snapshot of the artists and work being created in the Isle of Man at the moment and also a record of how Manx artists coped and reacted to the current situation.

’It is a capture of a specific moment in time,’ said Olivia.

’All the work featured here has been created over the past year, very much born through the time of Covid and can only be unique because of it.

’The concept of the exhibition and the book has been well received.

’I think that the project and the exhibition is one that needs the context and the background that is given in the book.

’It is important to take that information and present it along with the finished work.

’I didn’t just want a bland artist statement to go along with the work.

’I wanted a genuine explanation of the thoughts and the mindset of the artist and something to ground them in that particular place in time when they created their work.

’As an artist myself, I love to read about the artistic process and what made people think and do in the way that they did.’

’After choosing a certain number of artists who she wanted to be involved, Olivia then opened the process up to the public for submissions.

’The original idea was to have 50 artists involved, and at first we had 30 chosen artists and we figured on 20 chosen from an open call for people to submit their work,’ she said.

’But then we received entries from more than 60 people. ’They were all of such quality that we wanted to get as many people involved as possible.

’It’s been so gratifying to work on it and after the crazy couple of weeks putting it all together, its great to see it finally finished.’

’Ellyn’ is open to view until Sunday, October 10.