The Rotherham Art Gallery hosting the 4th Annual 'Rotherham Open Art' exhibition has once again proved to be a delight of talent from across the region with a variety of artwork to suit all tastes.
Well hung and presented this free exhibition situated in the Central Library and Arts Centre, on Walker Place does the gallery and the town proud in presenting a showcase of what it has to offer in bringing art and culture to the area.
With over 73 pieces on display most of which are for sale this is an event which supports not only the town but also the artists taking part as well as affording the public an opportunity to own original art.
Like all public events the emphasis has to be on the public in supporting it in order for it to survive so go along and see it.
The exhibition runs until the 12th June 2010
Further information can be obtained on 01709 336633 e-mail cliftonparkmuseum@rotherham.gov.uk
Friday, 28 May 2010
Shelley Iqbal at 'The Bloc'
The latest exhibition by Shelly Iqbal seen at 'The Bloc Studios' consists of a series of paintings part of which follow her interest in the Gothic but have recent additions in the form of paint poured onto stretched Viole in a colourful geometric pattern the effect of which when hung and lighted produces a further shadow pattern on the wall within the frame giving a 3 dimensional effect.
It seems to be an extension and further development of her study into naturalistic shapes and forms combining with that of designs prevalent on stained glass but this is no heavy thick black lines but delicate and light, which is in total contrast to her other work in the Gothic.
Her recent work 'after Klimt' of 'The Kiss' has the grim reaper scythe in hand standing alongside the lovers no doubt in a symbolic gesture over the frailty of love, or could it be a love which never dies. either way the choice as with all art is with the viewer.
It seems to be an extension and further development of her study into naturalistic shapes and forms combining with that of designs prevalent on stained glass but this is no heavy thick black lines but delicate and light, which is in total contrast to her other work in the Gothic.
Her recent work 'after Klimt' of 'The Kiss' has the grim reaper scythe in hand standing alongside the lovers no doubt in a symbolic gesture over the frailty of love, or could it be a love which never dies. either way the choice as with all art is with the viewer.
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
"Dead Guilty" a Ecclesfield Priory Players Production
It must be said that of all the plays by the EPPic theatre we find them to be guilty of another fine example in their latest production which ran until the 15th May, in fact it could be said they are 'Dead Guilty' which happened to be the title of the play written by Richard Harris and produced by the Ecclesfield Priory Players own Tom Travis.
With a cast of four this psychological thriller relies on the two main characters to carry it off which it has done admirably in the shape of Wendy Martin and Debbie Cockayne.
Set in the living room of Julia Darrow (Wendy Martin) who is convalescing from injuries received in a car crash in which her married lover John Haddrell suffered a heart attack and died, we are introduced to John's widow, Margaret Haddrell, (Debbie Cockayne) apparently trying to make sense of her husbands death by visiting Julia.
Initially portrayed as a nervous timid creature set against Julia's self confident caustic character we see over time the emergence of Margaret's Jekyll and Hyde persona well presented by Debbie Cockayne who delivered the lines with the appropriate infliction of tone and but supplemented it with body language that took her role from timid to the psychotic,.
Meanwhile Wendy takes Julia through a physical degenerative metamorphosis which by the end has her transformed on stage to a physical and mental wreak.
Like any theatre production the stage has to be set and as usual the rest of the team did a superb job in the design and construction which as we have commented before would leave any West End Production green with envy, shame it has to be taken down.
Another fine production by the Priory Players to which the author has already booked for the next one in October.
With a cast of four this psychological thriller relies on the two main characters to carry it off which it has done admirably in the shape of Wendy Martin and Debbie Cockayne.
Set in the living room of Julia Darrow (Wendy Martin) who is convalescing from injuries received in a car crash in which her married lover John Haddrell suffered a heart attack and died, we are introduced to John's widow, Margaret Haddrell, (Debbie Cockayne) apparently trying to make sense of her husbands death by visiting Julia.
Initially portrayed as a nervous timid creature set against Julia's self confident caustic character we see over time the emergence of Margaret's Jekyll and Hyde persona well presented by Debbie Cockayne who delivered the lines with the appropriate infliction of tone and but supplemented it with body language that took her role from timid to the psychotic,.
Meanwhile Wendy takes Julia through a physical degenerative metamorphosis which by the end has her transformed on stage to a physical and mental wreak.
Like any theatre production the stage has to be set and as usual the rest of the team did a superb job in the design and construction which as we have commented before would leave any West End Production green with envy, shame it has to be taken down.
Another fine production by the Priory Players to which the author has already booked for the next one in October.
Friday, 7 May 2010
Sean Williams in exhibition
Following on from his successful group exhibition at the NGH Clock Tower Gallery last year, Sean Williams new solo exhibition opened on Friday 6th May 2010 at Swinton Lock Gallery, Rotherham, and runs until the 4th June 2010.
Sean's speciality is in small pieces of artwork depicting everyday things around us but which may go unnoticed to the untutored eye, he takes the big overall picture and compresses it into a space of a few inches yet he will also go into a detail of the the overall picture providing us with an enlarged view in miniature.
Sean works in acrylics on carefully prepared board in a pointillist style bringing together thousands of tiny dots to deceive the eye into forming a picture, no mean feat in regular size paintings so imagine the same on a 7"x5"and you will have some idea of the skill, attention to detail and the time consumption in producing a single painting.
On the plus side Sean must be the only artist in the area who is able to carry his exhibition in his pockets, however from the viewing of this current exhibition he will now need a suitcase, having moved up in scale with some of his works.
Whilst still retaining a pointillist style it is noticeable that especially on some of the larger works the paint has been overlapped and merged producing a slightly different style which is a little more traditional but without losing any of the attention to detail, indeed if anything it enhances the luminosity and dappled effects of the summer shadows thrown by the leaves on the walls in the pastoral scenes or the dark dank walls under the bridge of the city scape's, giving an almost photographic quality in which the masterly user of chiaroscuro and the build up of layers has produced a great depth of inner perspective taking the viewer deep into the painting itself.
This is an exhibition not only for aficinados of the genre but also for students of detail, however we do have a criticism as to why this artist greatly undervalues his work.
On the basis of the time taken in the production of each painting their worth in monetary value is far in excess of that which is asked, but Sean obviously follows the maxim that as an artist his achievement is to strive to surpass himself and for his work to be worthy of his own approval, and in this respect we think he succeeds.
The Gallery is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and can be contacted on
http://www.swintonlock.org.uk/
info@swintonlock.org.uk
Sean's speciality is in small pieces of artwork depicting everyday things around us but which may go unnoticed to the untutored eye, he takes the big overall picture and compresses it into a space of a few inches yet he will also go into a detail of the the overall picture providing us with an enlarged view in miniature.
Sean works in acrylics on carefully prepared board in a pointillist style bringing together thousands of tiny dots to deceive the eye into forming a picture, no mean feat in regular size paintings so imagine the same on a 7"x5"and you will have some idea of the skill, attention to detail and the time consumption in producing a single painting.
On the plus side Sean must be the only artist in the area who is able to carry his exhibition in his pockets, however from the viewing of this current exhibition he will now need a suitcase, having moved up in scale with some of his works.
Whilst still retaining a pointillist style it is noticeable that especially on some of the larger works the paint has been overlapped and merged producing a slightly different style which is a little more traditional but without losing any of the attention to detail, indeed if anything it enhances the luminosity and dappled effects of the summer shadows thrown by the leaves on the walls in the pastoral scenes or the dark dank walls under the bridge of the city scape's, giving an almost photographic quality in which the masterly user of chiaroscuro and the build up of layers has produced a great depth of inner perspective taking the viewer deep into the painting itself.
This is an exhibition not only for aficinados of the genre but also for students of detail, however we do have a criticism as to why this artist greatly undervalues his work.
On the basis of the time taken in the production of each painting their worth in monetary value is far in excess of that which is asked, but Sean obviously follows the maxim that as an artist his achievement is to strive to surpass himself and for his work to be worthy of his own approval, and in this respect we think he succeeds.
The Gallery is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and can be contacted on
http://www.swintonlock.org.uk/
info@swintonlock.org.uk
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Review of "ArtS64" exhibition at the Clock Tower
"Art S64" is the current exhibition at the 'Clock Tower Gallery, situated within the grounds of the Northern General Hospital. and running from the 26th April to 19th May 2010.
The exhibition covering both floors of the gallery is a joint effort by a number of artists having a common link with Swinton Lock Activity Centre, based as its name implies at Swinton in Rotherham. www.swintonlock.org.uk
Taking a wide range of styles, and mediums covering a wide spectrum of art genre's it would be remiss to detail any specific work on display, suffice to say that the very nature of the exhibitions diversity caters for a wide range of public taste in art.
The exhibition itself has been well curated and themed with the work affording a relaxing atmosphere in which to browse, for a hospital this is has to be a bonus which needs to be exploited both for the benefit of the exhibitors and the gallery (Hospital board take note)
curators can do the impossible but miracles need help.
Overall a well balenced exhibition worth visiting.
Further details of the artists exhibiting or activities at the gallery contact Kerry Blackett on e: kerry.blackett@sth.nhs.uk or Swinton Lock www.swintonlock.org.uk
The exhibition covering both floors of the gallery is a joint effort by a number of artists having a common link with Swinton Lock Activity Centre, based as its name implies at Swinton in Rotherham. www.swintonlock.org.uk
Taking a wide range of styles, and mediums covering a wide spectrum of art genre's it would be remiss to detail any specific work on display, suffice to say that the very nature of the exhibitions diversity caters for a wide range of public taste in art.
The exhibition itself has been well curated and themed with the work affording a relaxing atmosphere in which to browse, for a hospital this is has to be a bonus which needs to be exploited both for the benefit of the exhibitors and the gallery (Hospital board take note)
curators can do the impossible but miracles need help.
Overall a well balenced exhibition worth visiting.
Further details of the artists exhibiting or activities at the gallery contact Kerry Blackett on e: kerry.blackett@sth.nhs.uk or Swinton Lock www.swintonlock.org.uk
Previewing the Happy Dabblers
Saturday the 24th April saw the Coterie Gallery playing host to members of the Original Monteney Art Group at a private viewing to the start to their exhibition which runs from the 23rd April to the 13th May.
The day was fine and warm with wall to wall sunshine giving an added bonus to the event not that this group needed it as it was an ideal opportunity for a social gathering, and to renew acquaintances not seen for some time as well as making new friends.
For those not in the know the Monteney At Group is a long established group who were originally based on the old Monteney School site, now long gone, hence their commitment to their roots by emphasizing themselves as the 'Original Monteny Art Group'.
Eventually they ended up at their present location situated at the Scout & Guide building on Salt Box Lane, Grenoside where they meet every Wednesday morning between 10.00-12.00pm, however somethings do not change and one of them is their mentor and tutor in the form of Artist Richard Clark who's commitment and skill has produced from the members some fine artwork and inspiration to higher things over the years.
All to often the work of local groups are sometimes hidden as is their work so it is pleasing that they can be afforded the same opportunity as professional artists with a full three week professional exhibition.
Some of the artwork is for sale at ridiculously low prices so this is a good opportunity to buy, however they will be pleased just for people to attend, see their work and leave comments.
Further information about the group or the exhibition may be obtained from the Gallery
www.coteriegallery.co.uk anthony@coteriegallery.co.uk 07981 851174 or 078746 718658
The Gallery is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm Entry and parking is free, it has full disabled
access, Caf'e, Craft shop, and backs onto Westwood Country Park
The day was fine and warm with wall to wall sunshine giving an added bonus to the event not that this group needed it as it was an ideal opportunity for a social gathering, and to renew acquaintances not seen for some time as well as making new friends.
For those not in the know the Monteney At Group is a long established group who were originally based on the old Monteney School site, now long gone, hence their commitment to their roots by emphasizing themselves as the 'Original Monteny Art Group'.
Eventually they ended up at their present location situated at the Scout & Guide building on Salt Box Lane, Grenoside where they meet every Wednesday morning between 10.00-12.00pm, however somethings do not change and one of them is their mentor and tutor in the form of Artist Richard Clark who's commitment and skill has produced from the members some fine artwork and inspiration to higher things over the years.
All to often the work of local groups are sometimes hidden as is their work so it is pleasing that they can be afforded the same opportunity as professional artists with a full three week professional exhibition.
Some of the artwork is for sale at ridiculously low prices so this is a good opportunity to buy, however they will be pleased just for people to attend, see their work and leave comments.
Further information about the group or the exhibition may be obtained from the Gallery
www.coteriegallery.co.uk anthony@coteriegallery.co.uk 07981 851174 or 078746 718658
The Gallery is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm Entry and parking is free, it has full disabled
access, Caf'e, Craft shop, and backs onto Westwood Country Park
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Car Boot on the Campus
The start of the famous Campus car boots started its season on Sunday the 11th April to a dull but dry day, however this did not prevent the early birds from setting up well before time nor did it stop the bargain hunters turning out to catch the pick of the offerings from some 35 car boots and stalls in attendance.
Not a bad turn out for the start of the season which will no doubt build up as the monthly events progress.
By 9.30 the sun had broken through adding a pleasant feel to the event which obviously relayed itself to the public judging by the increase in the number of people turning up.
Out on the patio between the sports hall and the cafe', refreshments were taken at the outside tables giving a picnic atmosphere which come summer will be almost carnival.
Judging from the number of bulging bags many people found a bargain which no doubt will be repeated at the next events and those following so it looks like a lot more work on the day for the indomitable Jackie Hall (but she can do it)
The Campus can cater for many more stalls and cars so pass it on.
The next boots will be on the first Sunday of each month from 9am-1pm set up 8am
Cars £6.00. Car & Trailer £8.00
For bookings contact reception 0114 284 4444 or, you can turn up on the day but you take your chance on a space.
Not a bad turn out for the start of the season which will no doubt build up as the monthly events progress.
By 9.30 the sun had broken through adding a pleasant feel to the event which obviously relayed itself to the public judging by the increase in the number of people turning up.
Out on the patio between the sports hall and the cafe', refreshments were taken at the outside tables giving a picnic atmosphere which come summer will be almost carnival.
Judging from the number of bulging bags many people found a bargain which no doubt will be repeated at the next events and those following so it looks like a lot more work on the day for the indomitable Jackie Hall (but she can do it)
The Campus can cater for many more stalls and cars so pass it on.
The next boots will be on the first Sunday of each month from 9am-1pm set up 8am
Cars £6.00. Car & Trailer £8.00
For bookings contact reception 0114 284 4444 or, you can turn up on the day but you take your chance on a space.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
