On 17 June a new exhibition by two very different artists will be opening at Oriel Môn.
In the ‘Otherworld’ exhibition by Eluned Grant RCA and Beverley Bell-Hughes RCA, the artists explore a variety of themes within the natural world. Eluned through her ethereal paintings and Beverley through her organic ceramic sculptures.
Both artists first met many years ago when they were elected as Trustees for the Royal Cambrian Academy in Conwy. They soon became firm friends, bonding over a mutual love and passion for art and nature.
Eluned stated “When I was offered an exhibition at Oriel Môn, it didn’t take me long to select Beverley Bell-Hughes as a second artists to share the space with. I have always admired her work. When you share an exhibition, one of the considerations is how the chosen artists enhance, rather than distract from each other’s work. I can immediately see a likeness in some of Beverley’s ceramics in my own work as we express ourselves through colour, form and texture”.
Beverley stated “When Eluned asked me to share the space with her at Oriel Môn, I was thrilled to have the opportunity. I know the gallery well and have shown there before but only in large group shows. Both my work and Eluned’s need to be viewed and contemplated, the silent spot, where nature and nurture invite the viewer to embrace the “Arallfyd – Otherworld”.
Eluned’s background of living on a farm by the sea has made her very aware of time, mortality, and the secret life found in nature. “My work is derived from the cycles of life. I spent most of my childhood down on the beach – a playground paradise. A land of flotsam and jetsam brought in daily on the tide, ripe for imaginative play. Farmland is in a constant state of change – one day a brown ploughed field and soon bright yellow with corn. So, the cycles of life got translated to my eternal themes of love, loss, transformation and celebration”.
Bev’s work is also inspired by nature and the coast of North Wales. She lives near the river estuary of Conwy and spends a great deal of time on Deganwy and the Morfa beach. “Each day is a journey of looking and experiencing natures change, of how mother earth presents herself to the world. Marks left in the sand by the receding tide, sharp and clear, gullies deep and wide or smooth. Flowing ribbons of seaweed and elements of storm damage. I do not set out to copy nature, but to echo the process of it”.
Nicola Gibson, Visitor Experience Manager, Oriel Môn stated, “It’s fascinating to see how two artists, inspired by the same themes, can express themselves so differently but yet compliment each other so perfectly”.
'Otherworld' can be viewed at Oriel Mon until 30 July.
The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, and admission is free.
For further information please contact, 01248 724 444 / www.orielmon.org
ENDS 12 June 2023