Art / View Art Gallery
Out of the Dark: the ‘beautifully disturbing, strangely engaging’ exhibition at View Art Gallery
The latest exhibition at View Art Gallery in Hotwells – Out of the Dark – comprises work from Michelle Dash, Caroline Watson, Rodger Williams, Matt Hardman and Fran Williams.
While there are some Christmas-related paintings included in the exhibition, there is more emphasis on “what may be lurking behind the tree” – according to director, Nick Waugh, who also notes the hard-hitting issues permeating some of the work.
“The exhibition may evoke feelings you didn’t know you had,” he says. “The artists take you into their darkest dreams, fantastical places they escape to and imaginations that some dare not explore.”
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The narrative thread woven between the sculptures and paintings brings out the myriad ways in which humans may use imagination and creativity to escape from or process memories and anxieties.
I love art that has a narrative that we respond to in a different way, depending on our state of mind and any personal connection we make,” reflects Waugh. “I also enjoy art that changes with us.
“At times the art may be a reminder of dark periods in our lives and trigger an uncomfortable response. Other days, we may feel empathy or warmth as we reflect on a journey to a brighter future. In good moments, we may rejoice in the light of what we have become.”
Michelle Dash – sculptor and painter
Dash creates hybrid characters, in sculpture and painting, observed and imagined, often challenging us to consider how it feels to look and think differently.
‘Playful Couple’ by Michelle Dash, work from the group exhibition Out of The Dark – photo: View Art Gallery
Caroline Watson – painter and model maker
Watson has a fascination for traditional puppetry and theatre that inspires her models and paintings. Often borne from dreams, the characters may be playful, mischievous or sinister and usually endearing.
‘Celestial Scrying’ by Caroline Watson – photo: View Art Gallery
Rodger Williams – figurative artist
Rodger Williams’ paintings are simultaneously aesthetically appealing and uncomfortable. Over-sized bodies appear trapped in a state of contortion, ill-fitting in their space.
‘Contortion’ by Rodger Williams – photo: View Art Gallery
Matt Hardman – painter
Hardman paints from imagination but hints at personal memories in his impactful paintings. Childhood scenes are distorted and create a narrative that could be seen as playful or horror.
‘Feedback’ by Matt Hardman – photo: View Art Gallery
Fran Williams – painter
Fran Williams paints from her inner conscious, sometimes in a trance-like state. The beginnings often come from conscious thoughts and words written on the canvas, after which ‘the flow’ takes over.
‘The Day Before’ by Fran Williams – photo: View Art Gallery
Out of The Dark is at View Art Gallery until January 15, 2023. For more information, visit www.viewartgallery.uk/exhibitions.
All photos: courtesy of View Art Gallery (main photo: artist Michelle Dash)
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