THG Open winners to show new work in Honiton gallery

Sharon James and Kyle Barker won the Honiton gallery’s 2023 biennial open exhibition.

Now they are set to exhibit new bodies of art, named ‘Sharon James #artistmother’ and ‘Kyle Baker’.

Ms James offers a collection of large, dramatic art works depicting vivid scenes of familial domestic life.

Described as ‘intensely personal and deeply relatable’, the art works draw the viewer in, making them feel like part of the family being portrayed.

Sharon James is a full-time artist with a background in lecturing and gallery ownership.

She brings her life experiences, heritage, and identity as a black gay woman and a mother to the fore in her works.

Not only that, she utilises various mediums along with digital tools to create her art.

Sharon James said: “I have been exploring and enjoying the immediacy of painting and drawing, versus the more labour intensive printmaking.

“I explore all aspects of my identity through the work as a black gay woman, a mother, my heritage and current affairs, which have become increasingly important to me since becoming a mother.”

‘Sharon James #artistmother’ will be showcased alongside ‘Kyle Baker’, an exhibition by the Best Emerging Artist prize winner, Kyle Baker.

The East Devon-based photographer and filmmaker’s work is heavily influenced by the stunning natural beauty of East Devon.

His body of work includes landscapes, nightscapes, and seascapes, for which he uses his passion for the sea as a surfer and a lifeboat crew member.

Kyle Baker said: “We are blessed with the beauty that surrounds us in East Devon, from countryside to beautiful beaches.

“I keep my work as natural as possible, spending many late nights and early mornings trying to achieve the right conditions.”

The Thelma Hulbert Gallery’s curator, Gemma Girvan said: “What I love about Sharon James’ work is its vibrancy.

“Kyle Baker’s photography is mesmerising, he has a keen eye for detail, capturing iconic local views so beautifully”.

The THG Open Winners’ Exhibitions, showing ‘Sharon James #artistmother’ and ‘Kyle Baker’, will take place from May 25 to July 6.

Opening times will be from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

In association with the exhibitions, there will also be an Artist Talk with Sharon James on Saturday 25 May, from 3pm to 5pm, and an exhibition opening on Saturday 8 June, from 2pm.