Weaving together a story of migration, belonging and community, artist Saroj Patel leads us from a small village in India to a new life in the UK through her solo exhibition, Journey of the Blue Sun.
Swathes of colour, light and sound consume the two gallery spaces in Oxford’s Old Fire Station, as Patel presents a series of brand-new installations and sculptures inspired by her mixed cultural heritage. Representing the experiences and stories of intercultural communities across the UK, Journey of the Blue Sun is a celebration of new beginnings and significant histories.
Saroj Patel comments: “I have always been fascinated by my parents’ stories about their initial move to the UK, the experiences they had and how different life was compared to India. Like many Indians who migrated to the UK, they faced numerous challenges and difficulties. However, being a second-generation immigrant has positively impacted my life in many ways. It has given me far more choices and opportunities than I would have had if I had been born in the villages in Gujarat.”
Incorporating her signature textile artworks with brand-new forays into sound and video, Patel invites her audiences into an immersive, sensory experience. The exhibition also includes new artworks co-created with a group of women from Sunrise Multicultural Project, Banbury, Oxfordshire.
Curator, Mark Devereux added: “Journey of the Blue Sun shares an important personal story that is pertinent to so many people and communities living in the UK now. The new work Saroj has produced for this exhibition signals an exciting future for this ambitious and talented artist.”
Following recent exhibitions and commissions with Wakehurst Kew Gardens, (Sussex), The Art House (Wakefield) and Orleans House Gallery (London), Journey of the Blue Sun represents the next significant point in Patel’s flourishing career.
Journey of the Blue Sun is produced and curated by Mark Devereux Projects. The exhibition opens at the Old Fire Station, Oxford on Saturday 28 September, with a celebration launch event (1-4pm). A programme of events and activities coinciding with the exhibition can be found below / via Mark Devereux Projects’ website (markdevereuxprojects.com).
Journey of the Blue Sun has been funded and supported by Arts Council England, Old Fire Station, Oxford City Council and Little Greene.
Dates
Public launch: Saturday 28 September 2024, 1-4pm
Exhibition dates: 1 October – 16 November 2024
Opening times: Tues-Sat 10am-4pm
Location: Old Fire Station, 40 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AQ
Journey of the Blue Sun public events:
Public launch : Saturday 28 September, 1-4pm | FREE | Open to all
As part of the public launch for Journey of the Blue Sun, performance artist and choreographer Nandita Shankardass will share a unique performance inspired by personal stories and experiences of migration.
Sharing Stories : Saturday 19 October, 2pm | FREE | Open to all
In this special event, we are pleased to invite local residents to come and share your stories and experiences of migration and living in Oxford. This will be a performative event in which participants will be invited to interact with one of the artworks in the exhibition and say a few words. Audiences are also welcome to attend to watch and listen to what promises to be a moving and powerful event.
Saroj Patel in-conversation : Saturday 19 October, 2:30-3:30pm | FREE | Open to all
Artist Saroj Patel will be in-conversation with curator Mark Devereux giving a tour and background to the works in Journey of the Blue Sun.
A cultural celebration : Saturday 9 November, 1-4pm | FREE | Open to all
Join us for a special closing event celebrating the culture and diversity of communities in Oxford.
Further information will be announced soon via Mark Devereux Projects’ website.