GIFT: The Ideas Exchange

About

TIE is a group of 12 artists from a range of disciplines, nationalities, ages and backgrounds that was formed two years ago. A core aim of group is to develop new ways of thinking, and communicating with each other, about their art practice and as such provides a supportive critical forum in which to create and evaluate new work and to connect with others in the wider community. Their practices span video, installation, painting, photography, performance, text and social intervention.

The exhibition takes the broad theme of GIFT, a concept that underpins the group's commitment to exchange and reciprocal dialogue. Gift, in this exhibition, is less the giving and receiving of material goods, and more about other forms of generosity and exchange. Compassion and social connection are brought into the gallery setting, for example, in the work of Ann Rapstoff, who has constructed an Office for the Dissemination of Sympathy, and by Alex Buhagiar in whose work local Amnesty International members play the major part.

These interpretations of exchange also go beyond the gallery into the city of Oxford, with several of the artists working directly with the public or with specific community groups. Katy Beinart, explores her family background drawing on history, geography and horticulture to make a site-specific work in Oxford's Botanic Gardens. Contrasting imagery drawn from local Medieval sculptures with mobile phone Bluetooth technology, Clare Carswell will be out in rural Oxfordshire making a series of interactive performance works that offer a private 'art-moment' to a new audience, challenging the conventions of intimacy and exchange in public places.

Alongside the artworks in GIFT, TIE will be hosting a programme of associated events, live art performances and workshops around the city of Oxford and at OVADA. Details of events updated on www.theideas-exchange.org and www.ovada.org.uk