12th April 2007, 07/123
Gallery celebrates 30 years of photography
Photographs capturing the drama, humour and melancholy of
British landscape scenes will be unveiled in the Chapel Gallery's
next exhibition.
'Fleeting Arcadias' is opening to the public from 21st April to
19th May and is part of a Haywood Gallery Touring Exhibition that
celebrates 30 years of British Landscape Photography from the Arts
Council Collection.
The pictures compare the works of diverse photographers who
question the 1970s ideal of landscapes being a source of spiritual
comfort, nostalgia and lyricism.
The exhibition contrasts the work of photographers as diverse as
Fay Godwin, John Blakemore, Ray Moore, Martin Parr and Chris
Wainwright as their work explores issues such as ecological
concerns and commercial exploitations
For example, Martin Parr's humorous picture of a sightseer at
Glastonbury Tor called 'Beauty Spots, Glastonbury Tor', is in stark
contrast to the ominous image of a 'Nuclear Power Station in
Gateshead', by Chris Wainwright. Or Paul Joyce's atmospheric black
and white photograph captures the sheer scale and beauty of the
Brecon Beacons. While Keith Arnatt's series of photographs
'Pictures from a Rubbish Tip' have highly coloured and decorative
images with underlying environmental messages.
Also showing alongside this thought-provoking exhibition is a
Matthew Roby showcase.
Matthew won the 'People's Prize' at last year's West Lancashire
Open Exhibition and is a well-known sculptor and illustrator who
creates weird and wonderful characters and stories.
He uses unwanted scrap metals and machine parts to create a cast of
characters infused with animation and wit. His latest collection
includes Guzzling Goblins, Road Hogs and other extraordinary
creatures who have their own extraordinary personalities.
Dave Tilleray, Executive Manager Community Services, said:
"Pictures tell a thousand words and the exhibition Fleeting
Arcadias, selected by artist and writer John Stathatos, is an
amazing collection of framed photographs that give a real insight
into British photography and the way in which they deal with
important issues such as the environment.
"I'm also delighted to welcome back Matthew Roby to the Gallery,
whose work is popular with young and old alike. As usual he
provides vivid illustrations and characters with influences drawn
from pop culture, films, literature, animals and human behaviour,
which I'm sure visitors will love."
If you would like to visit these exhibitions, the Gallery, St
Helens Road, is open from 10am to 4.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday, as
is the contemporary craft shop and café. Entrance is free. For
other events see the Chapel Gallery section.
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