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We have had a wonderful year in the Porthminster Gallery since moving permanently to our fantastic space on Wescott's Quay; from a visit from Sir Peter Blake CBE to a reading of poetry by Simon Artmitage CBE, here are some of our highlights:
Sir Peter Blake at Porthminster Gallery
Sir Peter Blake at Porthminster Gallery
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| Gallery Directors Dee Bray and David Durham with Sir Peter Blake CBE and his wife Chrissy |
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| Sir Peter Blake with his work by Mirjana Smith |
A
real highlight of the year for us was an exhibition of limited edition
prints by the 'Godfather of British Pop Art', Sir Peter Blake. The
prestigious works drew a huge crowd and wonderful atmosphere to the
gallery from near and far, and, having last been on a beach 53 years ago, it was most certainly a rare event to have Sir Peter himself visiting!
The works of Falmouth Graduate Mirjana Smith were displayed alongside those of Sir Peter Blake. As an artist known for her unique and often humorous tea pots created from an eclectic collection of found and recycled objects, it was clear she would be the perfect accompaniment to a show compiled of collaged prints. Sir Peter was so taken with the works he bought a piece to take home.
Solo Exhibitions
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| Nick Bodimeade giving a pre-show talk |
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| Nick Bodimeade: 'From Here' on display in the Porthminster Gallery |
This summer the gallery curated a long-awaited solo exhibition by Sussex based artist Nick Bodimeade. His distinct and unmistakable works drew a large crowd which admired the shimmering beach scenes, captivated, as we were, by the works which challenge the concept of both abstract and representational art.
Many attended a pre-exhibition talk by the artist who discussed themes and motives, giving great insight into the large scale paintings.
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| 'Tipping Point', Matthew Lanyon |
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| Matthew Lanyon at the private view of 'Tipping Point' |
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| Visitors look upon 'Climbing Belle' at the exhibition opening |
During September, the gallery was proud to host the solo exhibition of celebrated St Ives artist, Matthew Lanyon; unveiling an entire years worth of work (2012 - 2013). The collection, entitled 'Tipping Point', ranged from intricate and exquisite smaller pieces to a series of highly charged large, bold paintings. The vast scale of two momentous works, 'Tipping Point' and 'Climbing Belle', thrilled and enthused with their impressive 7 and 4.5 meter spans, vivid colour and intriguing symbolism.
The dramatic event of the sinking of the Concordia sparked inspiration for key elements of the painting 'Tipping Point' which was hung onto our expansive wall as the ship itself was raised out of the water - timing that was not planned but added even more prominence to the story told within this complex piece.
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| Brian Plummer attending the private view of 'Beneath the Surface | Brian Plummer' |
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| 'Wall Piece', Regina Heinz, part of the collection 'Recording Landscape - Mapping Time' |
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| Brian Plummer's work on display |
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Regina Heinz with her sculptural work |
In October the gallery exhibited the highly praised works of Brian Plummer; renowned for his complex and rhythmic landscape work. Soft billowing horizons met with layered relief, and filled the gallery space, making for a spectacular show.
Plummer's works were accompanied by the ceramic sculpture of Regina Heinz. The internationally recognized artist displayed numerous works echoing the movement and form of land and sea, her unique wall pieces in particular demanding much attention.
Gallery Events
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| Poet, Simon Armitage holding a reading in the gallery |
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| An audience with Simon Armitage |
During the St Ives September festival we were treated to a reading from the eminent British poet, Simon Armitage CBE as part of his 'Walking Away' journey walking the South West coast path, from Minehead to Land's end and beyond as a modern troubadour. It was an honor to host the event and, with limited tickets available, it was an eagerly anticipated and sought after evening.
The journey is to be documented in a new book by Simon Armitage, a follow-up to his acclaimed 'Walking Home - Travels with a Troubadour', which we excitedly await.
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| Ikebana, arranged by Katsushi Koike in a ceramic by Craig Underhill |
Japanese artist Katsushi Koike collaborated with us in the gallery in February to create an incredible display for the entrance using the traditional methods of flower arranging, Ikebana. Katsushi selected a large ceramic vessel by Craig Underhill to inspire and then hold his arrangement - its confident marked surface and expansive blue finish sparking a vision of 'a dragon coming out of the sky'.
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| image courtesy of http://www.slowartday.com/ |
This
year we took part in 'Slow Art Day' for the first time. An annual,
international event aimed at encouraging the public to 'discover for
themselves the joy of looking at and loving art.
It
was a beautiful day in April where, after an hour of observing, a group
of 10 members of the public studied and discussed 5 selected works from
the Porthminster Gallery, over crayfish sandwiches at the Pedn Olva hotel.
Described by one attendee as 'A wonderfully sociable and enjoyable way to spend the day; fantastic to see others so engaged in Art'.
Having
had such a successful day, we shall be hosting another 'Slow Art Day'
in 2014 and we welcome you all to join us! Keep up to date with our blog
for news on future fixtures.
And finally....
The stunning views from our gallery windows have kept our social media followers gazing at St Ives from all other the world, filled our space with light and most importantly given us on-the-spot reference to the colours and forms that give so much inspiration to our artists. So last but not least, a few of these ever changing views from the gallery during 2013:
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| Stills taken from Parker Paul's video 'Spring Tide' showing the gallery on the left |
