Second Wave awash with diverse talent
Written by DAVID TRIGG for Metro Newspaper - Monday, September 1, 2008
A seascape by Vernon Jones from 'Second Wave'
For its second exhibition showcasing works by emerging and established artists, Bute Space Gallery has once again packed its three floors to bursting with an impressive array of paintings, illustrations, sculptures and ceramics.
Visitors are greeted by Vernon Jones' breathtaking seascape painting, which is so enormous it takes up an entire wall of the downstairs gallery. Jones' rendering of crashing ocean waves is truly remarkable and you'd be hard pressed to find another artist whose seascapes are as good as this. In contrast, Nathan Howell's paintings of Cardiff Bay capture the calm waters just a stone's throw from the gallery.
His peaceful scene, Winter Sunset, is extremely well observed, beautifully capturing the cold evening light. Upstairs, Barbie McClure's curious little assemblages made from found materials resemble boats and wagons. Appearing extremely weathered, these Lilliputian vehicles are full of character and charm. Meanwhile, a whole room is dedicated to the illustration work of former boxer turned artist, Patrick Killian.
The centrepiece here is a large painting of the 2005 Six Nations rugby champions, featuring signatures from each player; there are also several portraits of boxers including Enzo Maccarinelli and Joe Calzaghe. Although Killian's work is slightly out of step with the rest of the show, it neatly highlights the gallery's pluralistic game plan.
Until Sep 13th, Bute Space Gallery & Studios, 123 Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. Tue to Sat 11am to 6pm; Sun 11am to 4pm. Tel: 029 2048 2565. www.butespace.com
A New Wave of art in Cardiff
Cardiff Bay's newest gallery has got off to a convincing start with its first exhibition. Featuring work by 50 artists, New Wave is a mixture of paintings, photographs, ceramics and sculptures.
Downstairs, Ruth Mclees bold paintings reveal a love of patterns. She works directly on to furnishing fabric and other printed material, taking her imagery from the world of glossy fashion. Patty Kraus, who also works as a TV producer, has several striking photographs included here. Her arresting images are the result of recent international travel, filming the TV series Around The World In 80 Gardens. A particular highlight is her shot of Nevada's Glen Canyon, USA.
Ruth Piper's colourful pop art canvases have been removed from their supports and reconfigured; now appearing like cushions or deflated balloons, these paintings have a quirky charm. Upstairs there are some stunning pieces from an artist called Lye. His super-slick opaque glass bowls are outstanding. Although they look mass-produced, each one is hand-finished and no two are identical.
New Wave is an impressive and promising start for Bute Space Gallery. Its aim is to show work by established artists as well as introduce new talent and, based on the strength of this inaugural show, it looks set to quickly establish itself as one to watch.
Until Aug 7, Bute Space Gallery And Studios, 123 Bute Street, Cardiff Bay, Tue to Sat 10am to 6pm, Sun 11am to 4pm, free.