Hastings Contemporary has launched its inaugural biennial open exhibition, titled "Odyssey," featuring 151 works selected from over 2,500 submissions by artists across Sussex. The exhibition explores themes of journeying and the local coastal landscape, showcasing a diverse range of media including enamel on aluminium, woodcuts, and ceramics. While the show has been a financial success for the gallery, it has sparked local debate regarding the high volume of rejected entries and the ethics of submission fees.
This event marks a significant shift for Hastings Contemporary as it seeks to deepen its engagement with the regional artist community while maintaining its prestige as a venue for international art. The controversy surrounding the selection process and the subsequent formation of "alternative" exhibitions by rejected artists highlights the tension between institutional gatekeeping and grassroots artistic energy. Ultimately, the show serves as a barometer for the vibrant, yet often fragmented, creative ecosystem of the UK's south coast.