Until 2 February
The Art of Travel A photographic exploration of Central and Southeastern Asia as seen through the eyes of Chris Hilton. “The art of travel,” according to Chris,” is to find somewhere to get that zip fixed, or to get a watch battery, to go to the doctor, or to get a haircut. In other words, it exists in the cracks where our imagination failed to go. We need to let reality wash over us in all its messy, uncomfortable glory without the hindrance of expectation.” Rotunda Gallery, Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge St, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA, Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm, www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk.
8 February – 8 March
Christopher Riisager Paintings of Dorset, Wiltshire & Sicily. Presenting the fourth solo exhibition of new paintings by Christopher Riisager, the result of two years of painting the wonderfully varied landscape of Dorset and Wiltshire, as well as the more arid landscape of Sicily. Locally, the Wiltshire and Dorset downland remains an inspiration evident in paintings that are at once both rich and plain. Some, very formal pictures, take as their subject and make plastic emptiness and spaciousness. Others are more directly about colour and its emotions; the evening sky and forgotten farm buildings. As for new subjects, the show features a return to Sicily. The Art Stable, Kelly Ross Fine Art, Child Okeford, Blandford, Dorset DT11 8HB.
The Dorset Pavillion Celebrating the bounty of Dorset -this exhibition challenges conventional expectations of regional art by offering a powerful, tactile, and evocative exhibition that speaks to deep time; the land: the political; the literary; and the historical. Returning from its triumphant debut in Venice where it had over 7000 visitors from 30 countries – it presents an earthy mix of contemporary artworks from 28 artists and provides a refreshing local, visceral, raw and playful exhibition that celebrates the parish-sized thinking that is both resurgent and under threat. It highlights Dorset’s contribution to the broader art world while challenging conventional expectations of regional art. Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport DT6 3NR.
8 February – 27 April
An Uncommon Thread Featuring Rachael Louise Bailey, Max Boyla, KV Duong, Charlotte Edey, Nour Jaouda, Lindsey Mendick, Jack O’Brien, Nengi Omuku, Tai Shani and Georg Wilson. The exhibition is in collaboration with Alice Black, Berntson Bhattacharjee, Carl Freedman Gallery, Gathering, Ginny on Frederick, Pippy Houldsworth Gallery and Union Pacific. ‘An Uncommon Thread’ features 10 contemporary artists living and working in the UK. The group exhibition highlights the transformative power of unconventional mediums in evoking personal and collective memories. Each artist demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the integral role materials and techniques play in their creative process; employing unexpected painting surfaces, adapting formal craft traditions and repurposing discarded products into compelling works. Through individual investigations of identity, tradition, nature, fantasy and the environment, the artists invite viewers to engage with the rich stories woven into each work. Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Durslade Farm, Dropping Lane, Bruton, Somerset BA10 0NL.
Until 22 February
Convergence A shared exhibition featuring abstract and semi-abstract work from a number of local artists. Work will include paintings, ceramics, and textiles. Free entry at Ilminster Arts Centre, TA19 0AN. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 9:30am – 3:00pm. 01460 54973. www.ilminsterartscentre.com.
Until 23 February
Where you Find Yourself A visual exploration of hidden Dorset, conducted over one year through various media, research, recording, and recollection by members of Dorset Visual Art’s Interrogating Projects Group. The featured artworks delve into places that hold a particular meaning to the participating artists. They are accompanied by reflective accounts on how our connection to ‘personal’ places and spaces can reveal a sense of self and belonging. Artists have repeatedly visited and examined specific locations, asking questions of their practice to reveal facets of themselves and the county. The Group meets regularly to critically review work in progress, encourage skills swaps and knowledge sharing, studio visits, and informal collaborations, and consider some of the different aspects and challenges of working as an artist in a rural county. The exhibition is accompanied by a display of black and white photographs by Robin Mills, presenting a selection from his book Deep Roots – An Insider’s Photographs of Dorset Country Life. The Sherborne, Newland, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3JG.
Until 24 February
A group exhibition of Selected artists: Martha Beaumont, Cara Campbell, Tessa Coleman, Matilda Dumas, Florence Evenden, Rene Gonzalez, Jelly Green, Harry Martin, Beatrice Hassell McCosh, Tyga Helme, Jean Huang, Sax Impey, Sophie Kitching, Binny Mathews, Peter Matthews, Sofia Petrova, Michael Rainsford and Harriet White. The exhibition delves into the dynamic realm of contemporary painting through the lens of artists who reimagine and experience the natural world through their practices. Landscapes are a potent medium for exploring the intricate symbiotic relationship we have with nature and how, through painting, our perspectives can change to reflect this. Messums West, Place Farm, Court St, Tisbury, SP3 6LW Email: west@messums.org. Telephone: (Thurs – Mon) +44 (0) 1747 445042.
Until 9 March
Restless Earth Paintings by Anthony Garratt and Frances Hatch ARWS, with paintings and ceramics by selected gallery artists, and furniture by Petter Southall at Sladers Yard, Contemporary Art & Craft Gallery, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EL. Open: Weds to Sat 10–4pm. All work can be viewed on www.sladersyard.co.uk. Telephone: 01308 459511 or email: gallery@sladersyard.co.uk.
Until 16 March 2025
Artists in Purbeck: Spirit of Place a groundbreaking exhibition at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth. This first-of-its-kind exhibition celebrates the rich artistic legacy of Purbeck, Dorset, through the eyes of renowned and emerging artists. It is a captivating exploration of the Isle of Purbeck’s diverse landscapes, including quarries, seaside towns, and iconic landmarks like Corfe Castle. The exhibition features over 70 works and provides a unique opportunity to explore the Isle of Purbeck over time, through the eyes of artists who capture its ever evolving beauty. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth. www.russellcotes.com.
