inner and outer landscapes at Centrespace gallery (ended - ran 7th -12th February 2025

It feels like a lifetime ago, but let's take a moment to reflect on my first solo exhibition. The show was a real success, and I learned so much along the way. One thing I had predicted but ignored—and was proven right about—was the challenge of hanging my work. Not just the physical act of it, but the overwhelming feeling of having free reign over a gallery that suddenly felt much bigger.

Choosing what will go up on the walls at centre space gallery 6th Feb 2025

I arrived at the gallery at 2:45 PM, fifteen minutes early, and once collected the keys of check in contact, began hanging my work at 3:30. Fast forward to 10 PM, and the atmosphere outside had changed completely—rowdy Thursday night drinkers filled the alley. It made me question, had I chosen the right gallery? closed up the noisy shutter a little after the 10 cut off. Regardless, my dad and my artist friend Tom Hodgkinson (check out his work on Instagram) helped me push through the evening. The next day, I was still finishing up—labels weren’t even up yet and was still banging in nails. When I welcomed my first visitors “I am open, don’t worry come on in, its fine, im organised! I just have a lot of art “ needless to say less people were interested din a working gallery interactive experience than I thought. Despite the rush and the show not finished/hung, Friday saw 55 visitors, most likely due to the Winter Light Show.

Greeted with a smile each morning, smile graffiti on side of door area where shutter box is. centreespace gallery Chris Shopland solo

The Ups and Downs of the Weekend

Friday was busy, but no sales. However, plenty of people came to see my work, which was rewarding in itself. Saturday was all about fine-tuning the space—getting the gift area ready with greeting cards, mugs, stickers, and my book The Art of Chris Shopland. My friends Chris, Ian, Star, and Taylor helped run the coffee area, set up the gift shop, and prepare the food, which looked amazing.

A new laser cut plaque which thankfully looked the part and of quality, not some disasters that can happen from purchasing from s new place online, with the maze heads (fast loose production line experiments ) the desk was taking shape.

Notable visitors included Vincent Brown from the Browns Art Centre, a highly skilled realistic painterly painter, and Ian Rank-Broadley, a highly skilled sculptor whose work you may have seen without realising. Tom added another one of my mini paintings to his collection, marking the first red dot of the show! Later, Vincent Brown proposed an art swap—his hyper-realistic painting of me posing at his life class in exchange for one of mine. A perfect keepsake for when I’m old and reminiscing about my modelling days.

Talking creativity in the physical vs the visual with Sebastian a highly skilled breakdancer who takes us through the history of break dancing in a contemporary dance way for the opening of may show. Dad, brother in background . two young children loved it, especially the eldest who was transfixed, a memory for years to come perhaps?

Thanks to my friends for buying the food (gave budget) and Taylor for presentation!

The Performance & Immersive Experience

Around 1 PM, James Bragg arrived to set up an immersive cypher performance with Sebastian, who took us through the history of breakdancing—starting with traditional dance, gradually building into powerful moves, all interwoven with elements of yoga and storytelling. James provided the music, while VR visuals transformed the dancers into pixels and geometric shapes. The performance captivated the audience, especially two young children who were completely mesmerised.

A brief lull before the performance had me worried, but thanks to my mum’s knack for inviting curious onlookers in, we filled the space. Private view? Open day? It should really just be called an art party for all!

Sebastian Spinning during the immersive cypher performance, a lot more happened but don’t wish to give it away if they perform it again.

Life Drawing & Personal Reflections

Jen training aaaaalrightythen or click Jen below for instagram

Sunday brought a life drawing session featuring Jen, a circus performer, as our model responding to the titles of my paintings, emotions within them and a dream by an attendee . Then it was my turn. I was apprehensive at first, as a couple of my friends were attending. I made sure they knew in advance that I’d be posing nude—it’s all about comfort levels! If they are comfortable and don’t care, then I am ok. But once I was in the space, I switched into professional mode. One friend even complimented my endurance after I held a side plank pose for two minute pose—quite a feat considering I am out of shape after a two-year CrossFit break. Seeing the drawings afterward was a wonderful moment. the plank thing was actually a PB technically.

My sketch of Jen impression of being on a rollercoaster within a dream.

Full life class. More photos perhaps too risqué for public blog, and delve further into about the experience will be on my Patreon - found in the newsletter (I need to update the username for it before share it here) not sure why the colours have messed up in the photo and got MS paint style

The Final Stretch

Monday was quiet—only 10 visitors—but one bought two originals for £120. While I always say it’s not about the money, it’s still a thrill when art finds its home. The pieces sold were unexpected choices, proving that if you create from the heart, your work will connect with someone.

Tuesday saw a surprise visit from a large tour group of 30, and I painted live, creating two fast and loose two-hour pieces. One of my favorite moments was meeting a mother and son outside the gallery. Joe, struggling with mental health, had been drawn in by photos his mum Angela had taken at the show. Knowing my work resonated with him means so much to me.

sharing with permission : Joe who bought my painting struggles with his mental health. Sometime I am all too familiar with. Cycling helps Joe, exercise has been proven to help, the painting now spurring him on while attempting to beat a PB (personal best).

Before I knew it, it was the last day. Only seven visitors, one sale of £6—but I had expected this from the start. In the end, the show exceeded my expectations. The gallery was bustling for most of the days, and I nearly broke even. Next time, I’ll be more mindful of spending, but many costs (like plaques) will last a lifetime.

The alley once a victorian masterpiece now a canvas for self expression and notes.

Looking Ahead

People keep asking if I’m elated that I sold work. The truth is, selling art is what I do—it’s momentum I crave. selling on regular basis. I don’t feel elated when I sell; I feel stagnant when I don’t. I will never tire of the feeling of selling art however, and love the joy that it brings. I love when conversations flow and sales happen naturally, without money being a barrier between art and its people. My goal now is to put my work in front of as many people in new and exciting ways.

I had no idea the alley would be so popular as a cut-through, leading people to the gallery—had I known, I wouldn’t have relied so much on flyers! I’m already planning for future shows, though my backup gallery has unfortunately gone bust. I need to find another venue or book this one for longer, balancing my time away from Ralph (who, thankfully, managed well with his dog walker during the show).

Final Thoughts

I love exhibiting my work. Having my own space to display everything together (well minus thew 100 odd that didst make it and the hundreds upon hundreds on paper left at home) was incredible. Ideally, I’d love a permanent gallery, but the overhead costs, not to mention the capital required, make that unrealistic. For now, I’ll continue searching for opportunities—perhaps a smaller group show with three or four other artist friends. Those who I not only enjoy their work, but I like hanging out with them. Would be super fun.

For now, I’ll shift my focus to the art bus at circular art space Fishponds and see if I can grow that as much as I advertised my solo show. I hope you enjoyed the photos and this recap—I always aim to put on a good show (even if the event planner side of me was a bit terrified at first!).

Here's to what’s next. what ever that may look like!

Packing up the many artworks left over…..always feel bad treating them like this, they are robust and I try my best to look after them when at home.

Yours creatively,
Chris CJS

Reflections on My First Solo Show