A Captivating Weekend of Art and Inclusivity: 'The Narrative' Art Exhibition, Auction, and Gala
Just Art 247, in collaboration with Gabriel Fine Arts, hosted a remarkable weekend-long celebration of art and culture at 'The Narrative' Art Exhibition, Auction, and Gala. The event, held at the picturesque Kingswood House in Dulwich, marked not only a celebration of art but also a testament to inclusivity and creativity.
The highlight of the weekend was the unique format for exhibition open nights that Just Art 247 and its partners have set. This format brought together artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts in a harmonious blend of experiences. The attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of creativity, with each brushstroke and piece telling a unique story.
Over the weekend, the local community also got involved, adding a vibrant and inclusive element to the event. On Saturday and Sunday, visitors from the neighborhood explored thought-provoking artworks, engaged in artist interactions, and attended talks that deepened their appreciation for the rich tapestry of the art world.
The artists and the audience shared an unforgettable weekend, as they marveled at the diverse range of artworks and engaged in meaningful conversations about the creative process. The art auction added an extra layer of excitement, allowing attendees to acquire extraordinary masterpieces with compelling narratives.
"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my incredible team, the talented artists who showcased their work, and the local community who embraced this weekend of art and culture," said Shahina Jaffer - The Founder of Just Art 247 . "Your presence and enthusiasm for art made 'The Narrative' a celebration of inclusivity, and we look forward to continuing this tradition of blending art and diversity."
The success of 'The Narrative' Art Exhibition, Auction, and Gala underscores the importance of art as a unifying force that transcends boundaries and brings people together. Just Art 247 and Gabriel Fine Arts remain committed to promoting the arts and fostering a sense of community through creativity.
An innovative addition to the event was the Dialogue Hub, a unique space designed for promoting social inclusion through British Sign Language (BSL) communication. This special cafe allowed attendees to order their coffee and engage in friendly conversations using sign language. It not only created an inclusive atmosphere but also provided a platform for attendees, including those from the BSL community, to connect and communicate effectively.
Taking part in the final 10 x 10 auction by Article 25, with Sir Antony Gormley Brett Crawford, Rana Begum, Kengo Kuma, and Norman Foster, Banksy and many fabulous artists
We are delighted to share the news of Shahina’s participation in the final 10x10 Art Auction, an event organized by Article 25. As an artist and a proud contributor, it was an honour to be part of this remarkable fundraising initiative. The auction, which raised an incredible £45,000, marks the culmination of eleven years of dedicated efforts by Article 25 in supporting humanitarian architecture projects around the world.
Year after year, artists, architects, illustrators, and sculptors have generously donated their original artwork to 10x10, making it a cherished and distinctive art auction. Each piece showcased a unique perspective and captured a sense of place, creating a diverse and captivating collection. As a participating artist, Shahina was thrilled to see her artwork among the many exceptional creations that adorned the auction.
Shahina would also like to extend her appreciation to all the buyers, bidders, and dedicated volunteers who contributed to the success of the auction. Your support and enthusiasm are crucial in making a difference in vulnerable communities worldwide.
The impact of this auction extends beyond the realm of art. It was heartening to witness the tangible outcome of our collective efforts as the Kao La Amani Children settled into their newly built cottages at the Children's Village in Boma, Tanzania. This serves as a powerful reminder of the positive change that can be achieved through humanitarian architecture projects.
Just Art 247 are proud to have been part of this incredible journey and will cherish the memories and connections formed through this event.
Artist manages to create piece for New Year’s Day Parade in four days
An artist was given the tough assignment of creating a piece for London’s New Year’s Day Parade, which is watched by hundreds of millions of people, in just four days.
Artist Shahina Jaffer, from Bermondsey, was selected by Lambeth council to create a piece of work that reflected the diversity of the borough.
She found out she would be creating the art piece late on December 23 but was not able to start work on it until December 27 due to Christmas and family commitments.
Polly was completed in just four days (Picture: Shahina Jaffer)
What followed was a feat of “community” as those around Shahina pitched in to help her complete the piece by New Year’s Day.
“We decided to call it A Community A Head,” said Shahina. “After completing this I became aware of two extremely important truths.
“First, that the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” is true, and that “it takes a community to make a cultural head” is also true.”
Shahina affectionately called the nearly 2m-high artwork ‘Polly,’ as it is partly made of polystyrene.
“There were numerous obstacles to overcome,” she said. “Polly is multifaceted, like a human being, she has layers that keep her together. She stands, like many of us.
“Every part of her aesthetically embodies culture. From the side of her face that displays her ancestry to the way her hair is coiled in a classic pattern and her striking gold brass neck.
“She cares about ecology and a lot of the materials to make her have been reused.
“Making Polly was an extremely demanding process, an incredible experience and a labour of love.”
Shahina managed to get the work finished on time, and walked through the parade with Polly, where half a million people had gathered in attendance.
Shahina and the rest of the Lambeth New Year’s Day Parade team (Picture: Shahina Jaffer)
“The parade was absolutely wonderful,” she said. “At moments it was daunting. Polly was wobbling like she’d had a late night at Hootenannys. But it felt like the royal wedding or something with all the people cheering.”
Shahina said the work would not have been possible without the help of friends and people in the community such as the Livesey Exchange in the Old Kent Road, where Polly was built.
“Every part of the way I had someone by my side helping me,” said Shahina. “It was daunting but I knew my community would get behind me.
ARTIST, ADVENTURER, THEORY TESTER & TEDX SPEAKER
I passionately believe that art should be an interactive experience that sends the audience on a visual journey to explore and opens their personal imagination and allows them to explore the depths of their own perspective.
My work explores the ubiquity of concealed imagery in the environment around us and in the arts, architecture, advertising, and nature.
I would say that my career started at the bright young age of three as a “technician” with my engineering father. Amazingly, I learned how to use a screwdriver before I could even write. I also played alongside my mother as she sewed, and soon that skill was added to my roster.
The big jolt towards Art came when I was five years old. I was in a terrible car accident, which I was fortunate to emerge from physically unscathed. Painting helped me heal from what I had witnessed by conveying what I couldn’t articulate in words – it was a wondrous, non-judgmental companion. Full article: https://poloandlifestylemagazine.com/shahina-jaffer-artist-tedx-speaker/
Overtone at 101 Harley Street
Opening 13th October 2022
London
The intrinsic link between art and health
The Overtone exhibition, located at 101 Harley Street, investigates dreams, memories, presence recollections, identity and symbolism in relation to the themes of environment, healing, climate change, and industrialisation.
We will give you a tour of the artwork, hoping to activate your mirror neurons and thereby encouraging creativity.
Art on Harley Street. London
Just Art 247 is pleased to announce our most recent collaboration with L'atelier aesthetics.
Shahina will be the artist in residence, curating quarterly exhibitions and giving talks about her diverse collection of works at 101 Harley Street.
Over the course of four months, Shahina created works based on calmness and perception. The first summer collection, ‘Uno de one,’ crosses a spectrum of genres from pop art to fluoroscopy. This cutting edge collection will question your curiosity while dazzling you on a copper to teal and everything in between visual journey.
In Vision
London, January 6–30th, 2022
In Vision explores perception and racial dialogue at Curious Kudu by Shahina Jaffer & Deborah Hobson
Press Release
Art Talks from Curious Kudu.
Shahina Jaffer will be joined by Amber-Dion Gratton-Bircumshaw and Chris Corbin from In Vision art exhibition in London, Together with Curious Kudu team to explore abstract artwork based on Perception. Shahina's creative practice is fostered by a technique she calls "reversed Jackson Pollock," which allows the paint to flow freely and uninterruptedly…
Artsy & Eco Friendly
Shahina was delighted to accept the challenge of creating an eco-friendly fine art advent calendar inspired shop window, which combines her passion for art with her experience in corporate M-artketing. We at Bermondsey Uprising are overjoyed with the results of a no-waste window display promoting the makers in and around Bermondsey. What a wonderful way to end the year by giving back to the community and showcasing her artwork. Let us hope that many more retailers consider the environment and collaborate with makers to maximise their display space💯
#LetsDoLondonBetter
Westfield centres are backing a campaign by artist Laura Nevill entitled #LetsDoLondonBetter, which aims to raise profiles for local artists and generate support across the UK for creative communities to flourish and to support the arts industry this summer. Throughout the summer, visitors to Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City will be able to view a host of artworks from over 30 emerging artists through a mixed digital and physical exhibition of works.
You'll see all the amazing artwork across digital screens in the centres, thanks to a media donation from Westfield and Ocean Outdoor, plus keep a look out for physical stores, exhibition spaces and further support on social media.
The campaign kicks off with 36 artists who have been selected by Laura to exhibit at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City.
PEACE NO NUKES ONLINE EXHIBITION
Curated by Shahina Jaffer
Hosted by The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, an international, feminist NGO.
The UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was adopted by an overwhelming majority in 2017. It reached the required 50 states parties in October 2020, and on the 22 January 2021, the treaty will enter into force, cementing a categorical ban on nuclear weapons, 75 years after their first use. Now we can call nuclear weapons what they are: prohibited weapons of mass destruction, just like chemical and biological weapons. We invited artists from across the globe to create artwork to celebrate this historic milestone for this landmark treaty.
Peace No Nukes on film https://vimeo.com/504840825
Burning Man
Shahina Jaffer Makes Virtual A Reality with Online Burning Man Exhibition Jaffer takes us on an interactive tour through the bounds of perception in her virtual reality exhibition at the first ever Burning Man in VR London— Thursday, September 17, 2020— On September 6, 2020, Shahina Jaffer went live with her interactive show ‘Is it on your mind? A Talk & Private Viewing’ in the Raspberry Dream Lab’s camp at the world’s first ever VR Burning Man. In her 45-minute slot, she delves into the omnipresence of hidden imagery in the world around us – in nature, in advertising, in architecture and in art. After debunking misconceptions about the Shivalinga, a Hindu spiritual icon formed from depictions of the lingam and the yoni, Jaffer explores the symbolic significance of this icon as one representative of creation and the union of feminine and masculine principles. Linking these ideas back to art, she examines various artworks including pieces by Georgia O’Keeffe, and ultimately, herself. She invites the viewer to uncover hidden forms and meanings in the art she presents as well as in the world outside, challenging our surface-level perceptions. This engaging, thought-provoking talk is followed by a private viewing of some of Jaffer’s own work, featuring several of her augmented reality paintings. Perception and its subjectivity are at the core of the show, and Jaffer’s awareness that the implicit has more allure in art than the explicit is demonstrated throughout. The exhibition calls us to awaken to the ubiquity of yonic and phallic imagery in our everyday lives, and harness it as a creative and constructive force, as it was intended to be. Asked about her aim with the talk, Jaffer responds ‘I wanted to take my TEDx talk to the next level and explore perception from another lens. My artwork is inspired by my dual heritage and I wanted to show how we are influenced by shape and culture. I wanted people to get a glimpse into where I get my inspiration.’
Margarita showcases her work in Milenio
Milenio is a major national newspaper in Mexico, It is published in 11 cities across Mexico, including Monterrey, Mexico City, Guadalajara, León, Pachuca, Puebla, Villahermosa, Tampico, Torreón, Toluca, and Xalapa. In each local edition they deliver multimedia local and national content and news.
About Margarita
Margarita Morales, was born in a small city in northern Mexico. After finishing university she moved to London and then moved to Berlin where she continued her artistic practice and currently resides. During lockdown she has been creating a world of fantasy, called” Dreaming awake” Margarita likes to create work that counteracts sadness, She likes her artwork to represent the joy of being alive and the joy of living.
Check out Margarita’s work www.margarita-morales.com