Wendy Elia Artist ~ Abbey Walk Exhibition
Wendy Elia the Artist & Her Abbey Walk Gallery Exhibition
This evening I was fortunate enough to be invited to a preview opening of a wonderful new exhibition by the art gallery Abbey Walk in Grimsby Lincolnshire
Wendy Elia: Histories in the Age of Confusion
Wendy Elia is a contemporary British artist based, I believe, in London so this is a real treat for those of us who live a long way from the metropolis.
I’d seen two paintings by this artist before at Linda Ingham’s wonderful Head & Whole II Exhibition so that taster promised much - but did it deliver ?
Absolutely !
Copyright Wendy Elia and Abbey Walk Gallery
The exhibition consists of huge and impressive paintings and small intricate ‘engravings’ and they really are startlingly good, you really do need to go and see this show.
The paintings are more or less life size and are quite incredible. There’s a huge amount going on in each painting and they tell the life and ancestry of the sitters,
The more you look at them the more you see, I spent nearly two hours looking at them and will be going back again for another visit.
It was another great, very civilised evening and a treat to be able to enjoy something in Lincolnshire which would normally be associated with London.
For those who think nothing cultural goes on here then I’d urge them to visit the Abbey Walk Gallery, it’s wonderful and absolutely free of charge !
Not only did I enjoy the artwork but also the company, nice and interesting people go to nice and interesting places including the one and only Mark Misfit Esq., - and my thanks to Gill and Elaine for yet another great evening and a warm welcome.
Be there or be square!
Regards
Rod
Little Brother said,
January 9, 2013 @ 10:52 pm
Rod,
How wonderful. I love this.
Rod said,
January 10, 2013 @ 8:22 am
LB,
you should see the full size image, the image above is only a portion of it - I believe it took almost a year to complete.
They are spectacular paintings and for me I thought it was a real achievement to make ordinary every day people so interesting.
I say that because normally when you see people in images it’s because they’re models, famous or important or have specifically interesting looks.
It’s great work and a privilege to be able to see
Best
Rod
V said,
January 10, 2013 @ 9:09 am
Nothing short of SUPERB !
I am glad you got an invitation, Rod. If anyone deserves one, you do.
There is so much going on in this picture, I could write an essay on it ( Don’t worry I shan’t ) But the stormy skies with patches of blue showing through , to me, give an indication of hope after the struggles and trials this family have endured but have kept together regardless. And the china cup and saucer ? a maintenance of standards and aspirations throughout.
Thanks for this Rod. Love it.
Rod said,
January 10, 2013 @ 8:29 pm
V,
you should see the full image, there’s a huge amount more.
The people are all associated with the artist and are pretty much lifesize - it’s an incredible painting.
All the small images you see are like little photos tucked into a mirror and each tells of the past of one of the people in the painting.
Such a shame you can’t get to see the exhibition, I’m sure you’d love it
Best
Rod