Select Dream is a street level public exhibition of artists from the south coast (and the surrounding areas). The exhibition wraps around the ground floor window display areas of the old Knight & Lee department store in Southsea (formerly John Lewis). The artwork has been reproduced on vinyl and fills the full frame of the display windows, making it accessible and highly visible within the shopping district. On of the project objectives is to give local residents and shoppers something visually stimulating to look at whilst the building is in transition – especially in the time of Covid when spirits need lifting and museums and galleries remain shut. Public interaction and feedback has been collated via Instagram site @selectdream.

The show brings together artists who either utilise or reference domestic, everyday items, architecture or aspects of day to day living. Perhaps some of the objects, would have been available to buy in the store before closure, however rather than this being a conventional still life show, the objects have somehow transcended their original form. The result of this being surreal, ethereal, humorous, engaging, and impactful from street level.

The exhibition was partly funded by Portsmouth City Council through their Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to support the printing and installation. The Community Infrastructure Levy raises funds from developers who are undertaking new building projects in the area, allowing councillors to reinvest back into the local community.

Duration:

Over the summer until That Group (who have bought the building) commence renovation work in September 2020

Line Up of Artists:

Hermione Allsopp
Charlotte Brisland
Ruth Collins
Stephen Cooper
Patrick Galway
Jaye Ho
Naty Lopez-Holguin
Greg Palmer
Iain Rayner
Josephine Rock
Kate Street
Paul Vivian