Gareth Parry – Some Places, Some People

Wed, 03 Dec 08 17:25:00

 

An exhibition of the work of Blaenau Ffestiniog born painter, Gareth Parry, can be seen at The National Library of Wales from the 6 December - 28 Feburary 2009. David Maredith will officially open the exhibition on the 13th of December.

 

Gareth was raised in Blaenau Ffestiniog, North Wales, and has spent most of his life in the vicinity. He studied for a period of time at The Manchester School of Art, before he admitted he became disillusioned and therefore returned home and began working in the local slate quarry for 2 years, before returning to his art. The people, the injustices of the slate industry and the landscape of the area have shaped much of his outlook on life; he developed a sense of belonging, an awareness of ancestry, a respect for nature, and a deep love of the countryside.

 

After a successful exhibition at the Library in 2000, when numerous items from his collection were sold, his work has developed, and his love for the area and its landscape has remained. We now see a greater emphasis on the effect of the light, the weather, the season and the time of day, which all breathe life into the scene in front of him

 

His depictions of people reflect the reality of everyday life in Wales, based on overheard snatches of conversation, on personal experience, feelings, subject or just simple observation. Many of the pieces show ordinary people going about their ordinary lives, while others represent an attempt to note the unconscious humour and irony of life.

Gareth has always considered himself a painter rather than an artist; the handling of the paint being more important than ideas or concepts.

Though some of these works reflect Gareth’s love of great artists such as Caravaggio, whatever the reason for their creation, he hopes the audience will enjoy them simply for what they are – paintings.

The exhibition will be on show at the National Library from 6 December 2008 – 28 February 2009. Works are for sale.

 

Wednesday 11 February 13.15pm

Gallery Talk: Some Places, Some People

Gareth Parry gives a gallery talk on his current exhibition at the Library.

Free Entry with ticket - Limited spaces available.

 

Press Office

Medi Jones-Jackson

medi.jones-jackson@llgc.org.uk

01970 632 534