A Burst of Joy at Helm Gallery; Thinking of you
In the heart of Brighton, Helm Gallery played host to the enthralling solo exhibition of Margot in Margate, "Thinking of You". Lucky enough to catch both the quiet charm of it's second day opening and the lively crescendo of the show party, it was a celebration of optimism, femininity, and the healing power of art.
"Thinking of YOU" according to Helm, was a celebration of Margot's ten-year artistry, bursting with bright and bold ladies, sea swimmers, and an explosion of colour and joy. Winter in Brighton? Not a chance, because this show brought sunshine, vibes, and everything in between.
Curated by the exceptionally talented Eden and her team, Helm provided the perfect backdrop for Margot McDaid's explosion of colour. The sleek, modern minimalism of the gallery harmonised seamlessly with bold, maximalist canvas-covered walls. As I descended the stairs into the exhibit space, the vastness and size of Margot's collection were truly awe-inspiring.
The atmosphere was a buzz of excitement from the get-go, fuelled by champagne, dancers, and even a tattoo artist – because why not leave with a permanent piece of Margot's art? A personal highlight was the incorporation of swimmers in the pieces, particularly those featuring twins, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative. Attendees resonated with the art in unique ways, finding personal connections and leaving impressed by the fact that many pieces had been sold before the opening party. A friend said she saw herself in every piece because she's know to change her hair so often!
Margot's paintings, crafted with acrylic on canvas, showcase simplistic and carefree brushstrokes, with a distinctive focus on vibrant colour combinations that evoke sheer joy. The overarching theme of femininity, and modern simplicity permeated every corner of the exhibit. Beyond paintings, the gallery boasted an exquisite collection of painted plates, including an oyster dish that caught my eye – a subtle nod to Rockwater, or maybe that's just my seaside daydream?!
"I am so looking forward to bringing all my bright and bold ladies to Brighton! I have lots of new work and they are full of colour and joy! Brighton is such an inspiration and I cannot wait to see my work in Helm."
This exhibition wasn't just about showcasing art; it was a journey of triumph from trauma. As Margot marked a decade of daily art creation, her work radiated confidence, strength, and the sheer boldness of someone who knows their craft inside out. The biggest mistake Helm and Margot made - Not making the amazing T-shirts the staff members were wearing for sale! They were iconic with a Margot in Margate print on. Everyone wanted a piece of the show, myself included!
In a nutshell, "Margot in Margate - Thinking of You" is not just an exhibition; it's a splash of joy that lingers long after you've left. As the exhibition continues until February 18th, Helm Gallery invites you to join in the celebration of Margot's brilliance – an art experience that's as bouncy and infectious as the show itself!
