Haus-A-Rest
A Zine by Artists for Artists, it’s for those who turn their raw, real-life experiences into stunning art and bold, captivating prose. We’re all about embracing the offbeat and the extraordinary, curating the untold stories, sharp opinions, and fresh opportunities that surface each month.
Got a spark of creativity itching to be shared? Our Open Calls are your chance to light up the world with your unique vision. So jump in, and let’s celebrate the voices that deserve the spotlight!
Issue58
An Exploration of Light & Dark
Welcome to an exhibition that delves into the complex interplay of light and dark, as visual elements and profound metaphors in human experience. The artists and writers featured in this collection have embraced the challenge of interpreting these contrasting forces, offering diverse perspectives that span the literal, symbolic, and emotional dimensions of light and darkness.
The artists and writers have explored the liminal spaces where light and dark converge, blur, and transform. Some works focus on the literal interplay of light and shadow, employing high contrast, chiaroscuro techniques, or innovative lighting methods to create compelling visual narratives. Others use contrast to emphasize themes of duality, ambiguity, and transformation, challenging the notion that light represents good and darkness signifies evil. Instead, these works explore the nuanced spectrum of in-between states—dusk, twilight, half-truths, and the fleeting moments where one state gives way to another.
The poets and writers in this exhibition bring a literary depth to the theme, using language as illumination to reveal hidden meanings, uncover emotional landscapes, and navigate the uncertain spaces between light and dark. Some writers address moral ambiguity, showing how absolutes rarely define the human experience. Others explore personal and collective memory, using light and darkness as metaphors for knowledge, secrecy, and revelation.
The exploration of light and dark has been a foundational theme in artistic expression throughout history. From the dramatic chiaroscuro techniques of Caravaggio and Rembrandt, which emphasized stark contrasts between light and shadow, to the ethereal luminosity of the Impressionists, who captured fleeting light in movement, the use of light and darkness has shaped entire artistic movements. The Romantics embraced darkness as a symbol of the sublime and the unknown, while Modernist and Contemporary artists continue to manipulate light and shadow in innovative ways, pushing the boundaries of perception.
The history of literature is equally rich with light and dark symbolism. From Dante’s Divine Comedy, where light represents divine knowledge and darkness signifies ignorance, to the existential musings of Shakespeare and modernist poets, writers have long used these elements to explore the complexities of human nature and the world around us.
This exhibition invites viewers to reflect on their perceptions of light and dark, both as visual elements and as powerful symbols of emotion, knowledge, and transformation. The works displayed here remind us that the world is rarely black and white; rather, it is filled with infinite shades of meaning, contrast, and possibility.
FOR THE GALLERY AND HERE FOR THE WRITER’S CORNER, and BLOG
*************************************************
*****- NEWs -*****
OUR TWO EDITORS HAVE BEEN BUSY OVER THE CHRISTMAS BREAK, AND LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING WHAT WE HAVE BEEN UP TO OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS…
jennafoxartist, RCA MA Sculpture, PhD Fine Art Research
Selected for Wells Contemporary 2022
One of my dreams has been to create a huge public artwork, and I am so lucky as I was commissioned by West Swindon Parish council to create a mural. It was in a subway and consisted of 38 panels, which totaled 81m in length and the area of 3/4 the size of a tennis court!
The subway was covered in graffiti, and I used a thin paint to allow this to ghost through my paintings. The mural is a landscape that mimics the local hills.
Each panel is a separate painting that links to the paintings next to it to create an immersive space, making a huge landscape that connects the housing estate to the woods via the subway. I visualised the space as a painted sculpture, and this helped form my proposal.
There were so many amazing comments from the many people who use the subway. They stopped and told me their stories.
I have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from hundreds of people of all ages.
I haven't been in a public space creating work for such a long duration. It was incredible.
A huge thank you to @simonbelletty. he has been amazing, helping and supporting me.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Nichola has been busy evolving her practice to become more ephemeral and sustainable, and with that in mind has started to develop new ephemeral materials; these can be seen on her website. She has also contributed to this month’s writers’ corner.
@nicholarodgers.artist , BA, Mlitt Painting & Sculpture
******************************************************************
This month’s feature is Artist
Alarna light
Our latest Q&A is a cross between performance and sculptural work we know you will love her work as much as we do..!!
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
This issue’s resident creatives include our Graphic novel bookworm Mildred Burchette-Vass, critical art writer Michaela Hall, our wordsmith poet Peter Devonald, and our editors and creators Nichola and Jenna
!! Calling Artists & Writers!!
****************
image and Photography by Nichola Rodgers
The next open call for Issue 59 is for students
CALLING art students pursuing a BA, MA, or PhD. We are running a student issue and are so excited to see your work included in the art zine Haus-a-rest
We invite student artists and writers to submit work for issue 59 - the STUDENT issue.
There is no age limit. The only condition is that you are studying an art-related subject at BA, MA or PhD level.
This call is open to artists across all visual media (painting, photography, sculpture, digital art, etc.) and writers working in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or hybrid forms.
We want to see finished work that is fully resolved. No work in progress, please.
This call is open to artists across all visual media (painting, photography, sculpture, digital art, etc.) and writers working in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or hybrid forms. We encourage experimental, boundary-pushing work that brings fresh perspectives. We welcome submissions across various media:
Visual Art: Photography, sculpture, installations, natural or perishable materials, and temporary public art.
Writing: Poetry, prose, and essays that explore ephemeral themes.
Multimedia/Other: Short videos, performance documentation, and digital art that emphasizes the temporary.
Submission Requirements:
Visual Art: Submit up to 3 images (jpeg ), with titles, dimensions, and a short description of each piece (max 150 words).
Writing: Submit up to 3 pieces in .docx or .pdf format (max 1,000 words each) with a short explanation on how the piece embodies the ephemeral. Can include images
Additionally:
Artist/Writers BIO (150 words) and a maximum(200 words) discussing your connection to the theme.
Deadline for Submission: 4th April 2025
APPLY here: MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR OPPORTUNITIES BOARD
Feel free to get in touch via the form below with your Ideas & Questions.
see our new A MENTORING
OPPORTUNITY pages
We think that the art world can be a tricky place to navigate, especially when you're coming to the end of your course and are not sure what’s next.
We have decided to run an open call for any artist who is at an early stage of their art career. This is not age-restricted, all we ask is you meet the criteria below…
If you are in your third year of an art degree, an MA / Mlitt, or are in the first three years of your art practice and would like to have 3 x one-hour sessions 1:1, one a month for three months (via Zoom or Teams) to bounce ideas, ask advice, gain practical steps and support from the Haus-a-rest team then contact us via our form here…
Please note there is no funding for this opportunity, it is your chance to be mentored by two artists who have been around the block to offer support and suggestions to help support your art journey.
There are two places available
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Looking ahead, we plan to deepen our interactions with artists through several exciting initiatives:
Mentorship Program: We are launching a mentorship program of six intensive sessions designed for early-stage and established artists. This program will provide personalised guidance, helping artists navigate their careers, develop their skills, and achieve their creative goals. Each session will be tailored to address specific challenges and opportunities faced by artists, ranging from creative development and project management to marketing strategies and networking. Our mentors, who are experienced professionals in the art world, will offer invaluable insights and support, tailored to each artist's unique needs. The goal is to create a nurturing environment where artists can thrive and push the boundaries of their creativity.
Live Exhibitions: We aim to host live exhibitions, creating immersive experiences where artists and art lovers can connect and engage with the works on display. These exhibitions will be curated to highlight the diversity and innovation within the artistic community, featuring a mix of mediums and styles. By bringing art into physical spaces, we aim to bridge the gap between digital and physical art worlds, offering a platform for artists to showcase their work in a tangible, impactful way. These exhibitions will elevate the artists’ profiles and enrich the audience's appreciation of contemporary art.
In-Person Reviews: In addition to our digital reviews, we plan to offer in-person review sessions. These face-to-face interactions will provide artists with direct, immediate feedback, fostering a deeper understanding of their work. Our reviewers, who are seasoned critics and curators, will offer constructive critiques aimed at helping artists refine their techniques, expand their conceptual thinking, and enhance the presentation of their work. This personalised feedback will be instrumental in helping grow and improve, making their artistic journey more robust and informed.
Physical Events: We plan to run a series of physical events, providing spaces for artists to meet, collaborate, and share their work in person. These events will include interactive workshops, panel discussions with industry experts, and networking opportunities designed to foster a vibrant and supportive art community. Workshops will focus on skill development and creative techniques, while panel discussions will address current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the art world. Networking sessions will create a platform for artists to connect with peers, potential collaborators, and art enthusiasts, building a strong community that supports artistic innovation and professional growth.
Through these initiatives, we aim to create a dynamic and supportive environment that nurtures artistic talent and fosters meaningful connections within the art community. Our goal is to empower artists, provide them with valuable resources and opportunities, and celebrate their contributions to the cultural landscape
