Odds

About

Ranging from plant matter to mass-produced souvenirs, Odds presents a collection of objects that artists hold dear. By investigating the relationship between the peripheral (and indispensable) materials that live with artists in their homes and studios, and their outward facing practices, Odds offers an insightful look into the creative process. Whether it be a withered root of fennel, a scale model of Notre Dame, repeating lines of
code or a pair of wooden trousers, the eclectic range of objects brought together from around the world demonstrates the enthusiasm and openness of every artist involved.
Odds started with a discussion about what to do with the crucial but extraneous material in artists’ studios. It has since grown from a three day show with 40 artists (in an artists’ studio in Peckham, 2017) to a two month show involving 70+ artists at the TOMA Project Space in Southend.

Odds is hosted by TOMA and will launch the return of their Arts Council England supported space in the Royals Shopping Centre which was open to the public for seven months in 2018. The TOMA Project Space is an extension of the TOMA education programme which believes in accessible art education for everyone. In response to this there will be drawing workshops and a live event throughout the duration of the show. These dates, along with the full list of artists involved, will be announced soon. TOMA artists will also continue to make work and meet at the TOMA Project Space when the new programme starts in November 2019.

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The Other MA (TOMA) is a 21st century art education programme shaped by its participants and designed to fit the everyday lives of contemporary artists. TOMA is currently the only postgraduate level art programme in Essex after all others were stopped by their host Universities. It was set up to offer responsive, affordable, accessible unaccredited art education to artists.

Founded in 2016 by Emma Edmondson TOMA was set up in partnership with Metal in Southend, working with them for an incubation period before becoming an independent not for profit. TOMA believes in life-long learning and aims to make the possibility of postgraduate style art education accessible to all. TOMA is artist-run and based in Southend-on-Sea.