Victoria Art Gallery – 50:50
50/50: Working in Parallel
Textile artist Matthew Harris and Mosaic
artist Cleo Mussi are holding a joint exhibition at the Bath &
North East Somerset Council-run Victoria Art Gallery from February
12 – April 3, 2011.
Based in Stroud, they have lived and worked
side-by-side in various studios since 1987 but ‘50/50’ is their
first joint exhibition. Inspired by a trip to Japan, the show
explores ideas and imagery gleaned exploring the temples and
gardens of Kyoto, the Art Galleries and Architecture of Tokyo, and
further a field, the Naoshima Inland sea.
“50/50 aims to show the work of two individuals working in
parallel yet independently on a theme,” said gallery manager Jon
Benington. “On initial viewing their work may appear to have little
in common, however it shares a language that involves the
repetitive construction of whole complex images from pieces of
cloth, paper and reclaimed ceramic. The process of fragmenting
materials, its reconstruction and echoed imagery is their common
ground.
“The content of the show is in two halves,
linked by a central core showing their working methods. Whilst
Harris’s cloth works are abstract compositions that leave the
viewer time for contemplation, Mussi’s figurative mosaics represent
the mad chaos, modern production and contemporary imagery that is
the flip side of Japanese culture.”
Both Matthew and Cleo studied at Goldsmith
College, University of London, 24 years ago.
Matthew has exhibited in Japan, the USA and
Europe. He has work in the Crafts Council collection and The
Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester and in 2009 he was short listed
for the first Arts foundation award for Textile Art.
Cleo is an internationally recognised
artist and is known for her humorous twists and attention to
detail. Mussi’s current series of wall mounted mosaic panels
combine both modern Japan alongside traditional influences.
Also showing is a new exhibition by Bath
artist Karen Wallis titled ‘Views and Observations’. Karen’s recent
paintings and drawings celebrate everyday things which are often
overlooked. These landscapes, still lifes and interiors with people
are executed in a traditional style influenced by Rembrandt and
Edward Hopper. Visitors to the show are invited to create their own
views and observations for an online exhibition.
Now the second most visited museum in Bath
with 117,000 visitors a year, the Victoria Art Gallery is known for
its friendly atmosphere, exciting and varied programme of
exhibitions and stunning permanent collection from Turner and
Gainsborough to the moderns.
The gallery is on Pulteney Bridge, Bath and
is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 1.30– 5pm (closed
Mondays). Admission is free.