Happy Anniversary Curwen Studios!!!
By Jodie Clarke (year 11)
No one would believe that Curwen Studio’s has been running for 50 years. Yes its old but still not showing its age, as the Town Hall Gallery shows off an exhibition of cool modern art, by a brilliant selection of many different, yet talented artists, each with an individual and unique idea of what art really is. Here you can find a variety of art, paintings, drawings, prints, 3d, 2d, big, small, you name it and I am pretty sure there is a work of art here for just about everyone, and for proof I stuck my nose in the book where other people write their opinions on the current exhibition, a few opinions are. “Really stunning.” “Wonderful array of talent.” “Thank you very much for making me smile.” “There should be more of this type of art.” A man who had travelled all the way from Norwich told us. “It was well worth the trip.” Unsurprisingly I was unable to find any negative feedback and as I look around the exhibition myself I understand why.
Noel Myles, a photographer who’s work appears in the exhibition, has an interesting, and unique way of presenting his work. His photographs are of simple shapes, such as leaves or boats, however the images have been jumbled and muddled up, almost as if it has been cut up into squares, and then put back in the wrong order. Very clever.
Another one I quite like, is Rosie Corcoran’s, drawing of a tiger’s face. It is very detailed, and I love the way she has drawn the different textures. I wish I was that good. There is also a detailed drawing of a unicorn, by G.Mill. This one is great as you can see the imagination that has been absorbed into it.
Josie McCoy’s portrait Audrey home, automatically captured my attention. Although the colours are not bold or bright, the soft pastel effect gives a life like feel to it.
For those of you who don’t like any thing too complicated or confusing, then check out Stephen Walter’s road signs. It is as simple as it sounds, an A4 sheet covered in tiny road sign. Yes simple, but it still looks great.
Dale Devereaux Barker is not one that stands out at first, but is one that must be looked at carefully. At first glance, it seems to be a random pattern of hands, however the hands are in the foreground while the body trails behind. Perfect finish, and super heroes, are both presented. I love them both. Two of my favourites.
One of the main attractions is exciting, fun; pop arty, colour genius, Thomas Martin, who uses bright, bold and fun colours, in funky, wacky shapes. He has a jazzy, modern twist to his art as it doesn’t represent anything in particular, but instead gets people to use their imagination, to what his work might possibly be. For example, when some people may see flowers, others may see bubbles, it really depends on how far your imagination will go. He has also done some 3D work, which also is fun and colourful that really does catch your eye. He has work that lights up, moves, and some that just stand still, but all are utterly fantastic. Despite all his work being similar colours, shapes, and patterns, all are individual and different.
Overall it is a superb exhibition, it is inspiring to any art students of any age. It is great encouragement for all young artists-to-be, and I strongly advise everyone to visit town hall gallery, and see this exhibition before its too late!!! It has certainly persuaded me to come again to see future exhibitions, and I am looking forward to seeing what wacky, arty ideas, will be featured in the gallery next time, Unfortunately I am going to have to wait and see.
On Saturday 3rd October between 2.30 and 4.00pm, Harold Offeh is kick starting Get With The Programme in the Gallery with a lively introductory presentation looking at approaches to TV in artistic practice showing clips from television shows and his own work.
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