AN ONLINE exhibition, hosted by the Quay Arts Centre in Newport, will pay tribute to a century-old artistic technique, first used during the First World War.

Taking over three gallery spaces, Dazzle and Disrupt showcases the work of two emerging contemporary artists inspired by Dazzle camouflage and its relationship to the Island’s maritime heritage.

Delayed since the first lockdown in 2020, the exhibition will explore works by artists Jeannie Driver and Lisa Traxler, focusing on themes of perception, disorientation and disruption.

Dazzle was invented in 1917, by marine artist Norman Wilkinson.

His designs were used to disrupt and disorientate German U-boats at sea by painting British and allied ships in striking geometric patterns.

Isle of Wight County Press: Lisa Traxler Artist Portrait_photo credit: Julian Winslow.Lisa Traxler Artist Portrait_photo credit: Julian Winslow.

By the end of the First World War, thousands of merchant ships and hundreds of naval vessels had been ‘Dazzled’ in what constituted the world’s largest public art and design display.

Jeannie considers the space of the gallery as material to investigate the relationship between audience and artwork.

Installations have been developed in response to Dazzle concepts and design, with a focus on scale and perception.

Isle of Wight County Press: Lisa Traxler: Transformation. Photo credit: David Whistance.Lisa Traxler: Transformation. Photo credit: David Whistance.

Lisa, meanwhile, explores the concept of perspective and spatial awareness alongside an exploration of materials from cut paper drawings to vitreous enamelled steel and hand painted wood sculptures.

Online on Monday March 27, the Dazzle and Disrupt will include interviews with the artists; a virtual tour of the gallery and slideshows of 2D works for sale.