Buzz Magazine March 2014 | Page 32

CERI RICHARDS: THE DYLAN THOMAS WORKS art Martin Tinney Gallery, Cardiff Thurs 6 Mar-Sat 5 Apr Swansea has managed to produce a host of talented individuals over the years, and arguably two of the most iconic Welsh arts figures – artist Ceri Richards and the poet/writer Dylan Thomas. In a year that will feature numerous cultural events and exhibitions to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Dylan Thomas, Martin Tinney Gallery is set to host Ceri Richards’ exhibition entitled The Dylan Thomas Works. Featuring a mix of paintings, drawings and lithographs, the Swansea-born artist took inspiration from the work of his compatriot to create a unique collection. “The force that through the green fuse drives the flower” and “death shall have no dominion’” are just some of the lines that that Richards’ lithographs portray. His Thomas-inspired pieces, which bring the well known words to life with colour and emotion, are perhaps what Richards is best known for, and are considered to be among his greatest artistic achievements. Richards received a number of accolades during the early 60s, including a gold medal at the National Eisteddfod, and the Venice Biennale prize for painting. He was also awarded a CBE. With a collection of over 90 works at the Tate Gallery, Richards’ work was also well received internationally, regularly representing Britain in touring exhibitions and showcasing his work alongside well-known artists such as Henry Moore, Ben Nicholson, John Piper and Graham Sutherland. In a year showcasing so many cultural events in honour of the Dylan Thomas centenary, it is notable that audiences can relate to the universal themes in both his poetry and writing. The exhibition connects Ceri Richards and Dylan Thomas and gives an insight into the inspirational ideas that transpired from these two great cultural figures of the 20th century. Admission: free. Info: 029 2064 1411 / www.artwales.com RHIANON HOLLEY pic: RACHEL TIGHE pic: LUCY REASD CO-RESPONDENTS Mission Gallery, Swansea Sat 22-Sun 30 Mar In the trials and tribulations of student life, an invitation to ‘see me after class’ has never traditionally been a cause for celebration. It just goes to show, then, that the methods employed on the MA Art and Design course at Swansea Metropolitan are anything but conventional. The upcoming exhibition Co-Respondents showcases the final outcome of the College’s contemporary dialogues module, which has seen students and teachers set aside their time-honoured differences to facilitate a collaborative exploration of some of the most elusive and contentious anxieties of our time. Working one-on-one, the students have created work aiming to inspire a dialogue addressing the inherent contradiction of the human condition. The project aspires to isolate the essence of debate itself, with the usurpation of conventional instruction forming the integral part in the investigative method. Themes of discursion and dichotomy are articulated through a variety of different mediums, including textiles, fine art, and photography, and reach daringly for a deeper understanding of our position in a rapidly advancing and increasingly unpredictable society. Curated by Angela Maddock and Catrin Webster, Co-Resondents showcases the finest talent from one of Wales’ leading institutions of artistic expression, and with the dialogue of debate inherent in the very construction of the work, the exhibit promises to deliver in spectacular style. Admission: free. Info: 01792 652016 / www.missiongallery.co.uk (JS) BUZZ 32 pic: THE BARD by THOMAS JONES WALES VISITATION: POETRY, A WOMAN’S TOUCH ROMANTICISM AND MYTH IN ART Off The Wall, Cardif