Chichester artist Josephine Goddard features in new film about artists with Down syndrome

Josephine, aged 33, is pictured here with her grandfather, whom all the grandchildren called Bumpa.Josephine, aged 33, is pictured here with her grandfather, whom all the grandchildren called Bumpa.
Josephine, aged 33, is pictured here with her grandfather, whom all the grandchildren called Bumpa.
Chichester artist Josephine Goddard features in a newly-released film about artists with Down syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chris Kenward’s film, Artists in Lockdown, is from Heart & Sold, a global arts organisation that represents and promotes artists with Down syndrome.

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The film can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV2PHFwleU4&feature=youtu.beSpokeswoman Emma Lambert said: “While the COVID-19 pandemic meant that Chichester artist Josephine Goddard’s latest exhibition was cut short, it has also seen her feature in an inspirational new film that portrays how artists with Down syndrome have coped with life during lockdown.

“Produced by Heart & Sold, Artists in Lockdown explores the life and work of 15 different visual artists from seven countries and examines how each artist has adapted their work during the global pandemic crisis.

“During the film, Josephine, a talented mixed media artist, can be seen creating one of her signature-style large-scale abstract pieces.

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“Painting of Sam shows the bold style and extraordinary detail that characterises many of her works and reflects her love of Aboriginal art.”

Heart & Sold was founded in 2012 by exhibitions curator Suzie and her photographer husband Paul. A graduate in museum and exhibition design, Suzie has a passionate interest in psychology and the relationship between art and mind.

She feels strongly that artwork produced by artists with a disability or condition stands on its own merits. It should not be treated any differently from other artists’ work in terms of respect, an honest critique or its worth.

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Suzie said: “The film was driven by our desire to document this moment in history and offer a glimpse into the worlds of our artists and how it was affecting their work and their lives.

“As the pandemic unfolded, we began to see how our artists were using their art and creativity to cope with what was going on in the outside world and we have loved seeing the beauty that has been created in these trying times.

“It was great to see the footage of Josephine painting and the finished piece is just stunning.

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“We know it must have been so disappointing for her exhibition at Aldingbourne’s Creative Arts Studio to have been cut short because of lockdown. But we hope that being involved with this project will go some way to making up for it.”

The exhibition was at the Creative Arts Studio at Number 73, run by the Aldingbourne Trust on Aldwick Road in Bognor Regis.

Heart & Sold is an online platform that represents, promotes and supports the work of artists with Down syndrome, advocating for their right to be included in the art world.

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Heart & Sold represents more than 20 artists around the world and presents their work in exhibitions and art fairs each year. To support the artists working with Heart & Sold, visit www.heartandsold.org.uk.

Josephine, aged 33, is pictured here with her grandfather, whom all the grandchildren called Bumpa. He was around 90 when the photograph was taken. He died in 2018.

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