Here at Fyi:Brecon we like to keep up with the many arts & cultural events that take place in Brecon so we were excited to hear about Vulgar Earth, an exhibition taking place in the Andrew Lamont Gallery, Theatr Brycheiniog from 14 April - 20 May.
Vulgar Earth raised a flurry of posts and comments on social media when it opened so we called in on Sat 14 April to take a look for ourselves. On arrival we were met by a stunning textile installation ‘..what is the cost?’ by Tina Walton, comprising 10 thread woven bodices which were hanging over the theatre’s stairs and beyond this we were drawn to what appeared to be a massive, hanging droplet, which was Simon Meiklejohn’s ‘Dark Viscous’.
The Andrew Lamont Gallery (image courtesy Theatr Brycheiniog)
We quickly realised that this was not an exhibition of decorative or popular art but it had a story to tell, and we were intrigued, our intrigue increasing as we passed a vast crawling figure, a man on his hands and knees, clearly an industrial worker, dignified yet oppressed by his working conditions. This was “Reaching The End’ (pictured below) created by Glenn Morris.
Passing through the exhibition we were particularly struck by a poignant piece (pictured below) by Kim Colebrook, whose very poignant porcelain memorial to Aberfan, in four parts, represents the way that people cope with a disaster that tore the heart out of a community and the loss but also the strength of individuals who survive.
On the day of our visit, we were lucky to meet one of the artists - writer, maker and educator - Zoe Young (pictured with her dalmation, Teazel at the top of this page). Zoe was able to tell us about the exhibition and the intentions of the exhibitors, which was very helpful. She also talked about her own work which includes thought provoking videos about global environmental finance and other environmental issues. We were struck by the contrast of people working, say, in the rainforests and corporate members of the financial world. The corporate 'speak' was actually quite chilling. We recommend that visitors to the exhibition allow themselves plenty of time to watch the films, uninterrupted.
The exhibition can be viewed on many different levels - it's thought provoking, the skills of the artist can be admired and it will appeal to all ages. There is far more to see than we have mentioned here so do go and see it if you can. As declared on the exhibition poster, "If you have never been to an art exhibition...go to this one".
For more information about Vulgar Earth please scroll down to read the official press release and/or visit https://www.facebook.com/7EarthArtists/
Vulgar Earth: Press Release (courtesy Punch Maughan, Theatr Brycheiniog).
An eclectic and thought provoking exhibition has opened in The Andrew Lamont Gallery at Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon. Visitors are greeted by the magnificent reclaimed timber and steel giant “Reaching The End’ created by Glenn Morris. Reminiscent of The Engine Man currently on tour in Wales, this vast crawling figure peers at guests from behind the light well that showcases Simon Meiklejohn’s ‘Dark Viscous’ and his mechanically engineered steel creations that stand proud in the front lobby of the gallery. Tina Walton’s stunning textile installation ‘..what is the cost?’ of 10 thread woven bodices hanging over the theatre’s stairs leads people into the exhibition.
Vulgar Earth are a not for profit artist’s collective who believe that the world has got to ‘a state of life that calls for another way of living’ and is open until May 20th in the second floor gallery at the theatre. The intention of the group’s exhibitions is to generate an emotional awareness through art and to question and discuss the direction humanity is going and the individuals place within it.
After a very successful show at The Canwood Gallery near Hereford in 2017 the group were approached by Punch Maughan, the theatre’s Visual Arts Coordinator to bring their thought provoking exhibition to Brecon as part of the gallery’s newly launched aspiration to feature ever more ambitious exhibitions.
As well as those mentioned above featured in this year’s exhibition is the work of Verity Howard, a ceramic artist who responds to subjects surrounding people, history and places, five sculptures by Jim Carter sit well in the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the canal. Kim Colebrook has brought her very poignant porcelain memorial to Aberfan. This four part piece represents the way that people cope with a disaster that tore the heart out of a community and the loss but also the strength of individuals who survive. David England is a self taught sculptor and the exhibition includes his piece ‘Choices’ in anacaster stone as well as his ‘Magic Theatre (Plato’s Cage)’ which is voicing an anger at corporate manipulation through public media. A stunning bronze ‘Silent Spring 2’ by Glenn Morrise completes the sculpture inventory.
On the walls is the work of Jackie Yeomans who paints on paper with soils, clays & earth pigments and Peter Horrocks who also uses natural earth pigments, clays, graphite, slate and charcoal dust in his practice. Peter has mined raw ochres from 300 feet down iron ore mine at the Clearwell Caves in the Forest of Dean and also collected others on his travels in the UK and abroad. Traces and Landmarks are themes in which he explores marks left behind in nature and their possible meaning. In contrast the ultra-violet reactive, abstract, acrylic paintings of Glyndwr Brimacombe lit up by ultraviolet lighting as you arrive by the stairs to the gallery add a significant wow factor – complimenting the large oil paintings of Rob McCarthy at the far end of the gallery.
Other contributors to the show are Maisie Noble who brings her project: ‘Beacons’ which is an immersive, cyclic narrative that was developed through Maisie’s MA investigation into the complex and multifaceted discourse surrounding Rewilding in the Welsh uplands. Seen through Virtual Reality binoculars whilst standing in a wonderful fleece floored pen, her wordless story prompts us to reconsider both our ownership of and relationship to the Brecon Beacons; a territory that has been tamed for human need. Whilst the VR binos can be enjoyed by adults and youngsters – smaller children can also enjoy an animation by Anita Sanchos. Frida Go, artist adventurer, is showing two video installations and a sound installation reflecting on justice, what we are doing on the planet and that everything stolen will eventually be taken back. Feeling life as we know it to be approaching the ends of the earth, he’s fertilising fresh futures with wild cultures of the past.
The show was opened by a performance artist, Jo Bushell and the film of this short piece will be showing in the gallery in the next few weeks.
This is an exhibition that needs time and contemplation – it is well worth it!
The Andrew Lamont Gallery is open 10am – 4pm every day of the week.
Contact:
Visual Arts Coordinator: Punch Maughan punch@brycheiniog.co.uk / 07736 062849
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