Lot 248 - Jen Orpin - M40 Sunshine

ARTIST INFO

About 

Jen Orpin graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 1996 with a degree in Fine Art. She lives in Manchester and joined Rogue Artists’ Studios in 2000. Her work is held in public and private collections both nationally and internationally and has been accepted into several Open Art exhibitions. She’s also exhibited in galleries in Bolton, Norfolk, Doncaster, Sheffield, Walsall, Liverpool and London. In 2018 she appeared in Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year where the judges chose her in their top three for the heat. In November 2019 and May 2023, she along with a fellow artist co-founded Rogue Women and co-ordinated a group show of 50 female artists from Rogue Studios including invited guest artists from all over the UK. Jen has had two solo shows, one in 2021, a 10-week solo show at the Manchester Modernist Society and her paintings appeared in two publications in conjunction with the Modernist Society and a project called Landscapes of Post War Infrastructure. The second was in March 2023, a three-week solo show and four weekend gallery residencies at Saul Hay Gallery Manchester. In May 2021 her motorway paintings featured in the Guardian online and The Observer’s New Review arts and culture magazine and again in Jan 2023 when one of her paintings appeared in the ‘On My Radar’ feature. Jen is an associate member of the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts (MAFA) and She is currently represented by Saul Hay Fine Art Gallery Manchester. 

Education 

BA Hons Degree in Fine Art 

Select Exhibitions/Awards 

Jackson’s Open Painting Prize, The New Light Art Prize, The ING discerning Eye Exhibition, The Wells Art Contemporary, Warrington Contemporary Arts Festival, The Wales Open and the first and second HOME Exhibitions, shortlisted on both occasions. Royal Academy Summer Show. 

Gallery Representation 

Saul Hay Gallery 

Statement about AOAP Submitted Artwork 

The structures I focus on, often constructed from concrete and metal, brutal in nature, straddle well-travelled motorways and roads, familiar landmarks that evoke feelings of nostalgia often formed from memories of childhood journeys. Unchanged and built to last, they offer sturdiness and a consistent presence that spans decades. They may be accompanied by the addition of graffiti or nature might have taken hold where possible, only adding to this presence. By documenting and recording these structures using the language of painting and drawing on the traditions of landscape painting, I aim to expand our perceptions and viewpoints and challenge how we look at these structures in our everyday landscapes. 

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