Glynn Vivian Swansea Stories Exhibition
This exhibition celebrated Swansea’s 50th anniversary as a city, displaying work from the 18th century to present days. This is an eclectic presentation of works ranging from sculpture, to landscape paintings and portraits. It was interesting to look at an exhibition of work ion which you could recognise or feel a connection to a number of different works. I felt a relationship with many of the works, especially with a painting called Wayward Wind by David Carpanini (1979). This painting depicts three man in a welsh valleys town- a place where most of my family were born and brought up. It is also intriguing to look at how different artists perceive their locational surroundings- two paintings of the same places depict different things (such as monuments, buildings and colours used).
On this visit i sketched down and noted different paintings and artists i was particularly drawn to, and who inspired me at that particular point in time. I found that I was inspired mostly by paintings that i felt a connection to- whether it was to their method of working, their depicted imagery, or the story behind the painting.
EH Martin 
Laura Ford 
David L Carpanini 
Henry Scott Tuke 
Sophy Rickett “The Curious Moaning of Kenfig Burrows”
This exhibition presented work by Sophy Rickett that was inspired by the life and work of Victorian astronomer and photographer Thereza Dillwyn Llewelyn, and her father, John. Combining photos taken at places associated with Thereza’s life- “oscillating between abstraction, pictorial is and illustrative literalism”. This exhibition also explores the relationship between landscape and photography- with the various cultural, political and practical connotations. Furthermore, these works play with the history of photography, as a technical process and a visual language- exploring dialogues asserted in contemporary life.
I found these works were assertive within their environment. The bold black and white images stand out dominantly against plain white walls, demanding the attention of the viewer. I found myself gazing at these photos for quite long periods of time, looking at every aspect of the images and considering the stories behind them. I particularly liked Rockall 1961/2019, as i found myself getting lost in the universal background of the stars. The composition of the whole image invoked curiosity and confusion- making me want to ask questions about the piece- why is the ocean slanted? What does it signify? Is there an overall meaning?
ROCKALL 1961/2019
SWANSEA OPEN 2019
The annual Swansea Open exhibition held by the Glynn Vivian art gallery is a celebration of art and craft by artists and makers within Swansea- aiming to show a diverse selection of work from a variety of backgrounds. This year my illustration “Luna” was displayed- a black and white fine liner illustrated portrait.
It’s fun to see the dynamic range of works in this annual display- As well as experiencing what it is like to have work displayed in the context of an established art gallery.
Caitlin Noble 