‘Surreal Reality’ art exhibition by Greg Forster
‘Surreal Reality’ art exhibition by Greg Forster
We are excited to announce Greg’s exhibition which will take place at Chester Art Centre for two weeks starting on the 26th of April and will run until the 10th of May 2022. The preview evening will take place on Thursday 28th April.
Influenced by the surrealists of the 1920/30’s and cartoonists of the 1980’s, Greg creates bizarre and imaginative colourful worlds with weird and outlandish subjects. Greg’s artwork can be provocative and at times disturbing, with a vein of fun bewilderment that runs through the entire exhibition. Sometimes political, often personal and intimate, with humour and sarcasm being central to his work.
Greg’s imagery asks questions and evokes mystery with detailed complexity of his paintings that encourages an exploration of one’s own psyche. In many compositions, subjects are undergoing a transformation, depicted as they change from one state or identity to another, displaying subjects with anything from angels with heart-shaped limbs to strange fuse-headed monsters.
Using knowledge and skills acquired in his profession in graphic design to shape his artistic vision Greg has put together a collection of images that portray varying perspectives that include love and loss, hopes and fears, lust and power, and the meaning of life. His work draws on his own personal experience personifying bizarre subjects in complex circumstance.
Greg Forster graduated from Swansea Metropolian University in 1992, since then he has worked professionally as a London based freelance illustrator, and latterly in graphic design. Now based in his native North Wales, he uses the knowledge and skills acquired in those professions to shape his artistic vision.
Greg has a keen interest in philosophy and sociology, and has always been fascinated by characteristics, key life events, and situations which compose the essence of human existence, such as growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality. These themes are often recurrent in his artwork and come from varying perspectives that include love and loss, hopes and fears, lust and power, and the meaning of life.
Working in a mix of contemporary mediums, such as acrylic paint, ink, spray paint, marker pen and pencil on paper, board and canvas, Greg has blended his skills in graphics and illustration with his love of bright colour and surrealism to bring about artwork that depicts life’s pleasures and predicaments in a surreal world. His use of bold colour in this surreal environment allows Greg to challenge the boundaries and explore his own obsessions.
The private view will be taking place on the 28th of April 2022 between 6pm and 9pm and we look forward to seeing you for some bright surrealism and wine!
M.E.S.S. – Mark Edmonds Studio Sale
‘I work in contemporary mediums. My studio is a mess of circuit boards, plastic resins and paint. I spend my time meditating and splicing one material with another. I love the contrast I create between colours and textures, everything is in a constant juxtaposition. I am probably considered a painter by many, but I feel more like a sculptor who works on canvas. To me the challenge is to create something with ‘feeling’ that evokes strong feelings in others. I am not always successful and at times this journey is painful, especially when you make that connection. Often, I feel naked when this happens, because someone is looking at me without my armour of bullshit. After the initial shock dies down and I no longer feel as vulnerable, I realise I have achieved something, that I am not pretending, there is a genuine connection.
Meditation and being a flawed human being is the key to my creative ‘process’. I tend to start with the structure of the painting or the concept. This is very much a conscious act, a little bit like visualising a sandcastle. As I work further into the piece, the original idea is ‘washed away’ each time, the mental image compromised. Each subsequent layer of paint, plastic or texture becomes a response to the modified vision. This is where the structure gives way to the feeling and the conscious begins to merge with the unconscious. This can become difficult to reconcile at times, there is risk involved. Sometimes paintings become over-worked when they should be abandoned. Sometimes detail is lost, sometimes I get lost.
I think contextually my work exists somewhere between abstract expressionism and the conceptual art foragers, for whom, Marcel Duchamp’s ‘Readymade’ is the life blood. The reoccurring theme would be creation born of frustration, be it with others or with oneself. I long for a certain amount of creative freedom. I am attempting to avoid the potholes of over thinking. Concentrate on breathing, clear the mind, and follow intuition, well for as long as possible in a heavy duty filter mask.
I take my tools of expression, and all the techniques I have developed and in rare cases mastered, then I leave the safety of roads firmly travelled. My journey will take me into the unknown, the black void of nothingness. When I return I have unlocked a piece of the puzzle but paid for it with a piece of myself. This is the price all creative minds pay until ultimately there is no exchange left’.
You can view some of Mark’s work on our website: https://www.artexclusive.co.uk/collections/mark-edmonds
MAD WORLD photographic art exhibition by Gary Sheridan
MAD WORLD by GARY SHERIDAN
We are excited to announce Gary’s new exhibition which will take place at Chester Art Centre for 2 weeks starting on the 27th of August and will run until the 10th of September 2020. We’ve confirmed the private view for Thursday, the 27th of August, and will be equipped with face masks and disposable cups for Prosecco 🙂
It was whilst studying photography at the University of Wolverhampton in the UK that Gary found his passion for conceptual photography. His work draws on personal experience and his natural inquisitiveness in human behaviour.
He constructs a series of work from a concept, or he will see images in everyday life that speaks volumes to him. Whichever method of construction he uses, he intends the images to be multi-layered and engage the viewer thoughtfully and aesthetically. His work is vibrant, beautiful and seductive, with a vein of humour that runs through its body, just as life should be, yet life is not always a bed of roses and Gary’s work often breaks down the façade to reveal…
The Mad World exhibition features work from his latest award-winning series Waiting for the Tide to Turn, Are Friends Electric and In Dreams.
“In a mad world, only the mad are sane”
Recent Awards
Bronze Award – Tokyo International Foto Awards, Fine Art 2019 TIFA
Bronze Award – Worlds Top 10 Fashion Photo, Fine Art, One Eyeland 2019
3 x Honorable Mention – International Photography Awards, Fine Art Series 2019 IPA
Honorable Mention – International Photography Awards, Street Photography 2019 IPA
Nominee – Fine Art Photography Awards – Conceptual 2019 FAPA
Finalist – Worlds Top 10 Fashion Photo 2018 – Oneyeland
Honorable Mention – International Photography Awards, Fine Art Portrait 2018 IPA
The Kinky Life of Trees by Brigitte Watkinson
We are very excited to be showing Brigitte Watkinson’s ‘The Kinky Life of Trees’ from 16th April to 7th May 2020. Why not join us for the private view on Thursday, 16th April from 18:30 to 21:00.
Brigitte is a Cheshire artist who, nevertheless, was born and raised in the wooded hills and mountains of Bavaria, Germany, and now lives and works near Northwich, Cheshire. Her childhood was filled with wondrous and mysterious stories of anthropomorphic forests and creatures within; stories that have stayed with her to this day. Brigitte’s paintings are a reflection of these tales: she plays these out in her bold and outspoken paintings through unconventional materials, shapes, colours and textures.
The kinky life of trees is a body of work influenced by the writings of Peter Wohlleben and Colin Trudge, who have both written extensively about trees and the communication between them. This, combined with her heritage, manifested itself in the notion that trees not only have feelings, but also feelings for one another. The kinky life of trees has begun.
Brigitte is currently studying for a Master’s degree in Fine Art.
We look forward to seeing you on 16th April for wine, kinky trees and fantastic artwork!
You can see more of Brigitte’s paintings on her web page: www.makeslugsbeautiful.co.uk
SUMMER EXHIBITION 3 – Marine and Coastal paintings in oils, oil pastel and watercolour by Sue Walsh
This summer we are happy to exhibit Sue Walsh’s fantastic artwork for the third time! Sue’s summer seascape shows are becoming a wonderful tradition at Chester Art Centre and a new collection has been created especially for her 2020 summer exhibition.
S R Walsh is a local artist whose work has recently been exhibited in London, New York, Monaco, St Ives Cornwall and, of course, Chester.
‘SUMMER EXHIBITION 3’ will run from 7 July 2020 until 11 August, with the private Prosecco Distanced Event held on Saturday, 18 July between 1 PM and 7 PM. Due to the social distancing regulations and the size of the gallery, we have decided to stretch the fun across the whole day! Pop in talk to Sue and get a private mini-tour of the exhibition with a glass of Prosecco in your hand 🙂 ! If you can, please do let us know approximately when you are planning to pay us a visit, so we can make sure everyone is safe and happy 🙂
“You are invited to call in to Chester Art Centre to see for yourself why my paintings are chosen by people from all over the world to enhance their homes and offices.
My paintings capture the light, atmosphere and moods that connect us to nature.”
We look forward to seeing you on the 18th of July for Prosecco, gorgeous sea breeze and fantastic artwork!
Take a look at some of Sue’s paintings on her web page www.sue-walsh.co.uk or take a look at some of her work on our new online gallery: www.artexclusive.co.uk/collections/sue-walsh
100 Drawings by David Bowker
David Bowker was born in Prestwich, Manchester and attended Butterstile County Primary School, where he was encouraged to draw and paint especially by teacher Miss Barbara Evans. He then went to Stand Grammar School, where he kept receiving encouragement in art by his teachers including Mr John Moss. He created his first oil painting in 1982, which was a landscape depicting Winter Hill at sunset. David’s first solo exhibition took place at local library in Prestwich two years later, and he continued to exhibit there in group and one-man shows until August 2006, encouraged principally by ex-Head Librarian Mr Harry Wilkinson; exhibited work at other venues including craft fairs, building societies and galleries.
In 1986 David won BBC TV North-west Tonight painting competition with painting entitled ‘Prestwich View’; the chief judge was Mr Harold Riley and Young Artist award at L.S. Lowry Centenary Celebration exhibition ‘Contemporary Salford’ at Chapman Gallery, Salford University with painting ‘Hanover Court’ a year later.
David studied for an honours degree in Combined Studies (Visual Arts and Art & Design History) at Bolton Institute of Higher Education between 1993 and 1997 and in 1998 he started teaching English as a Foreign Language, working in Eskisehir, Turkey and continuing to draw in free time. David holds an M.A. in Applied Linguistics through distance learning at Birmingham University. Teaching English continues up to the present and the list of countries he has worked in keeps growing and also includes Portugal, Italy, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the U.K.
David has been exhibiting his work in various locations around the UK and has a ‘permanent’ exhibition of works including collages and paintings displayed at Caledonian College of Engineering, Muscat, Oman.
The exhibition at Chester Art Centre will run until the 13th of July 2021.
Come along for the official opening on 1 July at 6:30 to meet David and have a glass of wine!
Life – by Bryn & Anastasia
Selected works by Bryn Sutcliffe and Anastasia Tilston, showcasing natural beauty and wildlife in its glory will be on display at Chester Art Centre from 1 October until 15 October.
You will have already met both Bryn and Anastasia if you have ever visited the art centre:).
Bryn has been with us from the very beginning and we have had the joy of watching him progress with his work and get established in the international art scene. At the moment Bryn is working with Wonderland Memorabilia as well as selling a lot of his work in London and online. At the same time, many of his pieces can be found at Chester Art Centre, where he is often busy painting or making frames 🙂
“I began to experiment with many different medias at college and developed my skills using paint. At university I was encouraged to integrate conceptual ideas behind my work and hone in on particular medias which I preferred to use. Today, I mainly work in oil and acrylic paint but find acrylics lend themselves better to the spontaneous approach in my work. I specialise in figurative art in acrylic paint as I have always been fascinated and inspired by the human form. I have recently been commissioned by the Grosvenor Museum in Chester and many famous celebrities own pieces of my work.” (Bryn)
www.brynsutcliffe.com
Anastasia is usually the one running around and doing 15 different things at the time around the gallery or can be found in front of the computer doing admin. Sometimes, however, she does manage to make some jewellery and take a few arty photographs. This time she will be exhibiting only new things, since her most recent obsession with electroforming… Exciting times! 🙂
www.anastasiatilston.com
The official event for the exhibition will take place on 3 October, where you will be able to meet the artists and watch them work!
Come along and bring your friends for some beautiful art, jewellery and a glass of wine!
Playtime – astonishing seascapes by Sue Walsh!
‘The application of paint to canvas or board using brushes, palette knife and fingers result in passages of impasto as well as washes of translucent colour. The trick is knowing when to stop.
The subject matter is often light, air and water. The objective to create pieces that evoke emotions linked to memories’.
An exhibition of fantastic art by Sue this summer is an event we are really looking forward to. Following last year’s success, Sue’s floating and fresh paintings will yet again bring a bit of breeze to Chester Art Centre this summer!
Sue Walsh was born in Liverpool and grew up on the farms of Oxfordshire, the Lake District and Cheshire. She studied Art and Education at St. Katharine’s College in Liverpool in 1972-1975 and then became a Teacher of Art and Crafts in Liverpool. Sue then moved to Chester and continued teaching and painting. She is an Associate Member of The Penwith Society of Artists and a member of St. Ives Arts Club, (Sue used to live in St. Yves for a quite a while) and a lot of her work is inspired by the breath-taking views of Cornwall. Sue is a prolific artist and has successfully exhibited her art for many years. One of her paintings was shortlisted for the 2018 John Moore’s Painting Prize.
This July, a beautiful combination of the Coastal theme, People theme and Interior will showcase some of Sue’s finest pieces. Water, air, sand and rocks mixed with Figurative and slightly surreal paintings celebrating the miracle of existence…
A MUST SEE!
The exhibition will run between 23 July and 19 August with the private view taking place on Thursday 25 July between 6:30 PM and 9 PM. Join us for some coastal breeze and a glass of wine!
Sue’s Recent exhibitions:
2012
Penwith Gallery, St Ives, Cornwall
Associates’ Show (group)
2013
Penwith Gallery, St Ives, Cornwall
Associates’ Show (group)
2014
Salthouse Gallery, St Ives, Cornwall
Two person show.
Penwith Gallery, St Ives, Cornwall
Associates’ Show (group)
2015
Salthouse Gallery, St Ives, Cornwall
Two person show.
Little Picture Gallery, Mousehole, Cornwall
December exhibition (group)
2016
Affordable August Exhibition, Penwith Gallery, St Ives, Cornwall
(group)
St Ives Arts Club “Coast” exhibition
(Three person show)
2017
St Ives Arts Club “Setting Sail” Exhibition
Two person show
Salthouse Gallery, St Ives, Cornwall
(Two person show)
2017 – 2018
Chester Art Centre, Chester, Cheshire
(Group show)
July and August 2018
Solo Art Exhibition, Chester Art Centre, Northgate St., Chester
September 2018
Salthouse Gallery, St Ives, Cornwall, Arts Festival.
February 2019
Parallax Art Fair, Kensington Town Hall, London
ArtUPClose digital exhibition, Manhattan, New York and various international locations through the year.
Impossible
Mark Edmonds is an artist based in Stoke on Trent working exclusively in mixed media, which is a conscious choice by him.
‘I work in contemporary mediums. My studio is a mess of circuit boards, plastic resins and paint. I spend my time meditating and splicing one material with another. I love the contrast I create between colours and textures, everything is in a constant juxtaposition. I am probably considered a painter by many, but I feel more like a sculptor who works on canvas. To me the challenge is to create something with ‘feeling’ that evokes strong feelings in others. I am not always successful and at times this journey is painful, especially when you make that connection. Often, I feel naked when this happens, because someone is looking at me without my armour of bullshit. After the initial shock dies down and I no longer feel as vulnerable, I realise I have achieved something, that I am not pretending, there is a genuine connection.
The exhibition will run until 23 July.
Join us for a glass of bubbly and some breath-taking contemporary art on 11 July at 7 PM.
DIVERSITY – art exhibition preview by Janet Webb
DIVERSITY
Janet’s practice explores the diversity of creativity in all media:
‘Pain ceramics and text what is it to be you, what is it to be me. I break down barriers between us and ‘The Other’.
Janet Webb is a professional UK based recognised artist, who has been creating, exhibiting and selling her incredible work for many years across the country. Textiles, screen printing, painting, film making, sculpture, life drawing and teaching art are only some of Janet’s talents.
Janet has spent her life in art, painting, teaching and exhibiting and now is also reaching out to a greater audience through the internet. She owned her own gallery in Chester, designed and painted for the UK’s largest pub chains including Greenall Whitleys, Grand Met. catering, Ind Coop, Thistle Hotels and Imperial Inns and Taverns. Janet produced a number of documentaries and sat on the Board of the Friends of the Liverpool Tate.
During her DIVERSITY exhibition at Chester Art Centre, Janet will be exhibiting a range of paintings, sculptures and curios mixed media pieces.
The exhibition will run between 18 April and 7 May 2019 with the private view taking place on 18 April between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM.
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