Oriel Plas - May Exhibits

by Sensation Staff
14 / 05 / 2010

STUNNING EXHIBITIONS AT WALES OLDEST GALLERY.

Whilst we are waiting for the glorious hot summer to come to spend the days beaching and boating, why not take a trip to Plas Glyn-Y-Weddw?  The exciting exhibition hitting the gallery is the work of one of Wale's most well known and respected artist David Carpinini.
The gallery in Llanbedrog is well alone worth the visit, stated as Wales's oldest art gallery, built in 1856 for Lady Elizabeth Love Jones Parry. This Victorian gothic mansion was built purposely for art, primarily to hold her own art collection, and with ten airy gallery spaces it seems a fitting space to hold this great artist's work in a great building.
David Carpinini, born in Glamorgan in 1946, trained at the Gloucestershire College of Art, the University of Reading as well as the Royal College of Art.  He has gained notoriety in the art world, exhibiting at galleries such as the Royal Academy and currently holding the position of President of the Royal Society of Painters-Printmakers. 
His subject focus is the industrial landscape of South Wales and uses the mediums of drawing, painting and etching.  Carpinini's work is inspired by his growing up in a mining community, and when talking about the contrast of the stark country side and the close-nit community he states 'I have attempted to use the natural drama of this location to explore the aspects of the human condition such as fear, isolation, loneliness, brutality, dignity, pride and hope', (Arts Review 1998).  His black and white etchings that are being displayed in the gallery are extremely powerful and depict a range of impressionistic stark romantic countryside scenes that have great movement against strong structure industrial pieces.  This exhibition is a must see.
The gallery is free to visit, open everyday from 10.00am to 5.00pm (closed on Tuesdays outside school holidays) and has a lovely cafe so go and catch up on your art knowledge, enjoy a home made cake and cup of tea and have a great day out!