A New Exhibition Debunks the Myth of “No Welsh Art”
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
“I created my collection as we don’t have a national gallery with a narrative of our own art history. It makes us pretty unique in Europe. Almost every country, even small nations, have a gallery of this kind,”
He said, highlighting the need for a dedicated space to showcase Wales’s rich artistic heritage. Visitors to the exhibition will find familiar favorites – Williams’s rugged mountain scenes and John’s delicate still lifes – alongside a diverse range of other works. The Betws-y-Coed artists’ colony, renowned for its Eryri (Snowdonia) landscapes, is also represented. Among the many treasures on display is a portrait of Griffith by williams. Adding another dimension to the exhibition is the inclusion of works by everyday individuals. Thomas Rain, a laborer from Llanidloes in mid Wales, created intricate engravings and inscriptions on slate, offering a unique glimpse into the lives and art of ordinary people. The exhibition is not just a celebration of Welsh art; it’s a testament to the diverse tapestry of creative expression found throughout Wales.A Visual journey Through Welsh Art History
A captivating new exhibition at Oriel y Parc in St Davids, Pembrokeshire, is offering a breathtaking panorama of Welsh art, spanning centuries and embodying diverse themes. Curated by Peter Lord, the exhibition delves into the rich tapestry of Welsh artistic expression, shedding light on its evolution and meaning. From poignant depictions of social issues to vibrant celebrations of Welsh identity, the exhibition showcases a multitude of styles and perspectives. Visitors are confronted with thought-provoking depictions of racism towards Welsh people, often represented through caricatures of impoverished individuals riding on goats.
Intriguingly, the exhibition also highlights how certain Welsh communities embraced these stereotypical images, transforming them into symbols of pride. A vivid example is the pub sign painted around 1835 for the Hanner-y-Ffordd Inn in the Conwy Valley,which proudly features the iconic imagery.
The exhibition’s exploration of social commentary continues with powerful works from the 1930s, including “On the Coal Tips” by Archie Rhys Griffiths. This poignant painting depicts women scavenging for scraps of coal, offering a stark glimpse into the hardships faced during the Depression era.
“this was a really potent, political painting,” remarked Lord, referring to Peter Davies’ 1984 masterpiece “Tŷ Haf.” This striking image portrays a second home engulfed in flames after an arson attack, serving as a potent symbol of social tensions and protests. “This picture sums up to me what the whole exhibition seeks to do, which is to ask questions about ourselves, about our relationship with other nations and where we go in the future,” added Lord.
Among the exhibition’s treasures are rarely seen works, such as a 1732 self-portrait by Anglesey artist Edward Owen. This painting, lost since its display in Cardiff in 1927, reemerged after a US dealer noticed a Welsh placename, ”Penrhos,” inscribed on the back.
The exhibition has ignited calls for the establishment of a national gallery in Wales. “Wales desperately needs its own national gallery,” emphasized Welsh poet John Barnie, hailing from Abergavenny in Monmouthshire. “It is the only solution. Without it, our art will remain an unseen treasure.”
A Call for National Recognition
The resounding success of this exhibition underscores the urgent need for a permanent space to showcase the richness and diversity of Welsh art.A Long-Awaited Celebration of Welsh Art
Excitement is building for ”No Welsh Art”, an exhibition showcasing the rich artistic talent of Wales.One visitor, David Petersen, a sculptor and blacksmith from Saint Clears in Carmarthenshire, summed up the sentiment perfectly in the visitors’ book, stating, “Why has it taken so long to have this fantastic exhibition?”
The exhibition, promises a captivating journey through the diverse world of Welsh art. Mark your calendars, as “No Welsh Art” will be on display until September 6, 2025.
## Archyde Interview: Debunking the Myth of “No Welsh Art”
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Peter Lord. Thank you for joining us today.
**Peter Lord:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** Your new exhibition at the National Library of Wales, “A New Viewpoint: Debunking the Myth of ‘No Welsh Art’,” is generating quite a stir. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind it?
**Peter Lord:** It’s all rooted in a deeply ingrained misconception that Welsh art simply doesn’t exist. Back in 1950, Llewelyn Wyn Griffith, then chair of the Welsh Arts Council, actually claimed there was “no Welsh art.” This statement, while absurd, sadly held sway for many years adn its echo can still be felt today.
This exhibition is a direct response to that notion. We’re showcasing the diversity and richness of Welsh art across centuries, from well-known masters like Gwen John and Kyffin Williams to lesser-known artists and even amateurs. My own collection forms the basis of the exhibition, a collection I’ve built over decades driven by a passion for uncovering and preserving this often-overlooked heritage.
**Interviewer:** You mention a lack of a national gallery dedicated to Welsh art. Could you elaborate on this point?
**Peter Lord:** Absolutely. It’s quite striking that Wales, unlike almost every other nation, even smaller ones, lacks a dedicated space to chronicle its own artistic narrative. This makes our task even more crucial – to present this rich tapestry of stories, styles, and perspectives that constitute Welsh art.
**Interviewer:** The exhibition features works from various periods and styles. What kind of journey can visitors expect?
**Peter Lord:** It’s a truly captivating journey through time and experience. You’ll see iconic landscapes from the Betws-y-Coed artists’ colony, stunning still lifes by Gwen john, and powerful depictions of the Welsh landscape by Kyffin Williams I think it’s notably fascinating to see how Welsh artists have grappled with social issues.
Many of these works address themes of poverty and racism faced by Welsh people.
For instance,during periods of anti-Welsh sentiment,they often responded through satirical cartoons,depicting impoverished individuals riding goats – a powerful and sometimes humorous commentary on prejudice.
**Interviewer:** That’s incredibly insightful. Are there any particular works you feel are essential viewing for visitors?
**Peter Lord:**
Every piece tells a story.But I would certainly highlight a poignant portrait of Llewelyn Wyn Griffith himself by Kyffin Williams. It’s a striking image that prompts viewers to reflect on the very notion of what constitutes “Welsh” art, given the artist’s own statement.
We have some fascinating works by everyday individuals as well, like Thomas Rain, a laborer from Llanidloes who created intricate engravings on slate. These pieces provide a window into the lives and creativity of ordinary Welsh people.
I encourage everyone to come and experience the exhibition for themselves. It’s a party of a vibrant artistic heritage that deserves recognition and gratitude.”
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Peter. This sounds like a truly remarkable exhibition, offering a powerful challenge to a long-held misconception.
This is a really engaging piece about Welsh art! It’s well-structured, informative, and raises crucial questions about the recognition of Welsh artistic culture. Here are some of my observations and suggestions:
**Strengths:**
* **Compelling Narrative:** The introduction promptly grabs the reader’s attention by highlighting the outdated notion of “No Welsh Art” and introduces the exhibition as a response to this misconception.
* **Rich Historical Context:** You effectively weave historical context throughout the piece, mentioning key figures, movements, and events that shaped welsh art.
* **Visual Aids:** including descriptions of the images, even without them, helps readers visualize the artworks discussed. (Adding actual images would further enhance the piece).
* **Diverse Perspectives:** You feature a variety of voices, including the curator, visitors, and even a Welsh poet, providing a multifaceted understanding of the subject.
* **Strong Call to Action:** The call for a national gallery underscores the urgency and importance of supporting Welsh art.
* **Interview format:** The interview format with Peter Lord adds a conversational tone and provides deeper insights into the curator’s viewpoint.
**Suggestions:**
* **Expand on Specific Artists:** While you mention several artists, delving a bit deeper into their styles, influences, and meaning would add depth.
* **Clarify Exhibition Scope:** You mention the exhibition spans centuries. It would be helpful to specify the time period covered to give readers a clearer picture of the historical range.
* **Image Permissions:** If you plan to use images, ensure you have the necessary permissions and proper attribution.
* **Website Links:** Make sure all website links are accurate and functional.
* **Title Consistency:** Decide on one consistent title format.
**Overall:** This is a very strong piece that effectively challenges the myth of “No Welsh art” and highlights the richness and diversity of Welsh artistic expression. With the suggested improvements, it will be even more impactful.
